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Chemokine and cytokine processing by matrix metalloproteinases and its effect on leukocyte migration and inflammation

Philippe Van Lint1, Claude Libert

  • 1Department of Molecular Biomedical Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.

Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|August 22, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) do more than degrade the extracellular matrix; they also regulate inflammatory processes. This review details novel MMP functions impacting leukocyte migration during inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were initially characterized for their role in extracellular matrix degradation.
  • Emerging evidence indicates MMPs also process non-matrix substrates, including cytokines and chemokines.
  • MMP-deficient animal models highlight their involvement in inflammatory disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the non-canonical functions of MMPs.
  • To elucidate the role of MMPs in modulating leukocyte migration during inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating MMP functions.
  • Analysis of data from MMP-deficient animal models.
  • Synthesis of current research on MMPs and leukocyte trafficking.

Main Results:

  • MMPs modify diverse non-matrix substrates, impacting inflammatory signaling pathways.
  • MMP activity is crucial for regulating leukocyte recruitment and migration.
  • MMP-deficient models exhibit altered inflammatory responses.

Conclusions:

  • MMPs possess critical regulatory roles beyond matrix degradation.
  • Understanding novel MMP functions is essential for developing targeted anti-inflammatory therapies.
  • MMPs represent key targets for modulating leukocyte migration in inflammatory conditions.

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