Matrix metalloproteinases in parasitic infections

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) constitute a wide family of more than 20distinct endopeptidases, either secreted or membrane-bound. They are involvedin many physiological (embryogenesis, precursor or stem cell mobilization, tissue remodeling during wound healing, etc.) as well as pathological(inflammation, tumor progression and metastasis in cancer, vascular pathology, etc.) situations. These proteinases have been considered in the past exclusivelyfor their degradation ability of molecules of extracellular matrix (ECM) (e.g., collagen, laminin, fibronectin) as well as that to release hidden epitopes from theECM. In more recent years, it has been completely clarified that these enzymesare also involved in the immune response, acting on cytokines, hormones, andchemokines. Among many others, the so-called gelatinases, MMP-2, andMMP-9 are produced by neutrophils, macrophages, and monocytes. Wheninfection is associated with leukocyte influx into specific organs, immunopathologyand following tissue damage may occur, facilitated by gelatinases. Thefocus of this chapter will be on the participation of MMPs and in particular ofgelatinases in either protozoan or helminth infections. A well-studied model isrepresented by cerebral malaria, for example, where MMPs play a crucial role inthe pathogenesis of such disease. Also trypanosomosis and toxoplasmosis willbe considered for protozoan infections, as well as neurocysticercosis, angiostrongyloidosis and trichinellosis, for helminth infections.