Matrix metalloproteinases in neuro-inflammatory disease

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are produced by many cell types including activated leucocytes and connective tissue cells in a wide range of inflammatory, infectious and traumatic disorders [1]. The presence of active MMPs in local excess over the levels of their natural inhibitors, the TIMPs, is thought to mediate pathology in many of these conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer [2]. It is only in the last few years that the inflammatory nature of many diseases of the nervous system has been recognised [3, 4]. This chapter reviews the available evidence to show that MMPs are produced within the nervous system in several important diseases, notably multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome and stroke, and that inhibiting their activity may be of clinical benefit.