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Matrix metalloproteinases in tuberculosis

P T Elkington1, C A Ugarte-Gil, J S Friedland

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK. p.elkington@imperial.ac.uk

The European Respiratory Journal
|June 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Tuberculosis (TB) causes lung destruction through matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Inhibiting MMPs may reduce TB-related tissue damage and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pathology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health crisis spread via aerosols.
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection leads to lung destruction, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
  • The mechanisms of matrix destruction in TB are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in TB pathogenesis.
  • To explore regulatory pathways influencing MMPs in TB.
  • To propose MMP inhibition as a potential adjunctive therapy for TB.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on MMPs in TB.
  • Analysis of data implicating MMPs in TB pathology.
  • Consideration of MMP regulatory pathways.

Main Results:

  • Accumulating evidence indicates MMPs are key mediators in TB pathogenesis.
  • MMPs play a central role in degrading lung extracellular matrix components.
  • MMPs are implicated in the inflammatory tissue damage characteristic of TB.

Conclusions:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are critical in driving lung destruction during tuberculosis.
  • Inhibiting MMP activity is a viable strategy for adjunctive therapy in TB.
  • Targeting MMPs could limit immunopathology and improve TB treatment outcomes.

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