Macrophage-associated matrix metalloproteinases in multiple sclerosis.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteases involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. The main functions of MMPs involve breakdown of proteins outside the cell and processes such as the migration of immune cells and the breakdown of myelin. We want to investigate whether MMPs also have other functions within the cell and in particular in microglia, a type of immune cell present in the central nervous system. For our research, we use models that mimic the different disease stages of MS. Our study may reveal novel approaches for targeting of MMPs in MS.