title: Astrocyte-leucocyte interactions and the mechanisms regulating matrix degradation in CNS tuberculosis.
abstract: The CNS (central nervous system) has a unique pattern of immune response to infection. TB (tuberculosis) of the CNS is devastating with widespread tissue destruction. In TB, astrocyte-leucocyte interactions are key in regulating MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) activity and are regulated by complex signalling pathways. A synergistic interaction between interferon gamma and monocyte-derived mediators drives high-level astrocyte MMP-9 secretion; this and other networking effects are inhibited by steroids. Better understanding of regulatory mechanisms may identify potential switch points that could be future therapeutic targets.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Friedland
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology; D020306:Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases