Involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a disintegrin and a metalloproteinase (ADAMs), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in immune function

The substrate repertoire generated through shedding, clipping, and regulated-intramembrane processing (RIPping) provides insight into the role of the metalloproteinase axis in immune cell adhesion and migration, the generation of chemokine gradients, and humoral and cell-mediated immunity [9]. ICAM, intracellular adhesion molecule; IL, interleukin; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; TNFR, TNF receptor; VCAM, vascular cell adhesion molecule.<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Inflammation and breast cancer. Metalloproteinases as common effectors of inflammation and extracellular matrix breakdown in breast cancer"</p><p>http://breast-cancer-research.com/content/10/2/205</p><p>Breast Cancer Research : BCR 2008;10(2):205-205.</p><p>Published online 31 Mar 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2397522.</p><p></p