Targeting tuberculosis and tissue destruction

Tuberculosis (TB) tissue destruction are hallmarks of established disease, where the activity of destructive host proteases matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are unopposed by their specific tissue inhibitors. Evidence of pathogenic MMPs in human pulmonary and CNS-TB will be presented. Data from a Phase 2 clinical trial using MMP inhibition hastened inflammation resolution and reduced lung cavity formation. MMP inhibition in CNS-TB mice showed improved survival. Strategies targeting MMPs can improve TB-associated morbidity and mortality