Abstract

As their name implies, matrix metalloproteinases are thought to be responsible for the turnover and degradation of the extracellular matrix. However, matrix degradation is neither the sole nor the main function of these proteinases. Indeed, as we discuss here, recent findings indicate that matrix metalloproteinases act on pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and other proteins to regulate varied aspects of inflammation and immunity.

Author affiliations

1. University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Box 359640, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA.
2. Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
3. Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
4. Department of Internal Medicine (Molecular Medicine), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.

Correspondence to: William C. Parks^1,2 Email: parksw@u.washington.edu

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