Skip to main content
Figure 5 | Fluids and Barriers of the CNS

Figure 5

From: Host matrix metalloproteinases in cerebral malaria: new kids on the block against blood–brain barrier integrity?

Figure 5

Multiple putative roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in cerebral malaria (CM) according to their biochemical functions. MMPs could play an active role during CM development through several complementary mechanisms: i) by disrupting endothelial tight junctions after protein degradation of ZO-1, claudins and occludin, thus causing an increased BBB permeability; ii) by promoting TNF-α shedding, IL-1β activation and CXCL8/IL-8 potentiation after proteolytic cleavage of their pro-domains, therefore inducing exacerbated pro-inflammatory response; iii) by processing some CM-associated hemostatic factors such as tpA, upA, and PAI-1, thus increasing the risk for thrombotic events.

Back to article page