Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences (Aug 2021)

Extracellular Matrix Enzymes and Immune Cell Biology

  • Meagan McMahon,
  • Siying Ye,
  • Jess Pedrina,
  • Daniel Dlugolenski,
  • John Stambas

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2021.703868
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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Remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by ECM metalloproteinases is increasingly being associated with regulation of immune cell function. ECM metalloproteinases, including Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases (ADAMs) and ADAMs with Thombospondin-1 motifs (ADAMTS) play a vital role in pathogen defence and have been shown to influence migration of immune cells. This review provides a current summary of the role of ECM enzymes in immune cell migration and function and discusses opportunities and limitations for development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting metalloproteinase expression and activity in the context of infectious disease.

Keywords