FIG. 2.

Genes and gene products involved in the immune response to M. leprae. Molecular and cellular interactions known or postulated to play a role in the immune response to M. leprae are depicted, as are genes with evidence of an association with susceptibility to leprosy and/or leprosy immune reactions through candidate gene studies, linkage analyses, or genome-wide association studies. Laminin binding protein 21 (LBP21) and phenolic glycolipid 1 (PGL-1) in the M. leprae cell wall bind to the α2 chain of laminin-2 (LAMA2) and α-dystroglycan on the Schwann cell membrane. This permits entry and subsequent damage to the peripheral nerve. Abbreviations: C3, complement factor 3; CR1, complement receptor 1; DEFB1, beta defensin 1; IFNG, gamma interferon; IL10, interleukin-10; IL12B, interleukin-12 subunit p40; IL12RB2, interleukin-12 receptor beta 2; LTA4H, leukotriene A₄ hydrolase; LTA, lymphotoxin-α; MHC II, major histocompatibility complex class II; MBL2, mannose binding lectin 2; MRC1, mannose receptor; NOD2, nucleotide oligomerization domain 2; RIP2, receptor-interacting kinase; SLC11A1, solute carrier family 11, member 1 (also known as NRAMP); TCR, T-cell receptor; Th1, T-cell helper type 1; Th2, T-cell helper type 2; TLR, Toll-like receptor; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.