Matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of dengue virus disease: involvement of immune system and newer therapeutic strategies.

Globally, the burden due to dengue infection is increasing with a recent estimate of 96 million progressing to disease every year. Dengue pathogenesis and the factors influencing it are not completely known. It is now widely speculated that, there is an important role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the initiation and progression of dengue pathogenesis, however their exact roles are not fully understood. Over activation of matrix metalloproteinases may contribute to the severity of dengue pathogenesis. Cytokines and various others mediators of inflammation interact with the vascular endothelium and matrix metalloproteinases may be one of the components among them. Extensive plasma leakage into tissue spaces may result in a shock. It is evident in the literature that, MMP2 and MMP9 increase in dengue patients is correlated with the severity of the disease, however the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Activation of innate cells and adaptive immune cells which include, B and T cells, macrophages or monocytes and dendritic cells also contribute to the dengue pathology. Newer therapeutic strategies include microRNAs, such as miR-134 (targets MMP3 and MMP1) and MicroRNA-320d, (targets MMP/TIMP proteolytic system). The use of antibodies-based therapeutics like (Andecaliximab; Anti-matrix Metalloproteinase-9 antibody) is also suggested against MMPs in dengue. In this review, we summarize some recent developments associated to the involvement of immune cells and their mediators associated with the matrix metalloproteinases mediated dengue pathogenesis. We highlight that, there is still very little knowledge about the MMPs in dengue pathogenesis which needs attention and extensive investigations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.