Interplays Between Matrix Metalloproteinases and Neurotropic Viruses: An Overview

ABSTRACT Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a diverse group of proteases involved in various physiological and pathological processes through modulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, cytokines, and growth factors. In the central nervous system (CNS), MMPs play a major role in CNS development, plasticity, repair, and reorganisation contributing to learning, memory, and neuroimmune response to injury. MMPs are also linked to various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cerebral aneurysm, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and brain cancer suggesting these proteases as key regulatory factors in the nervous system. Moreover, MMPs have been involved in the pathogenesis of neurotropic viral infections via dysregulation of various cellular processes, which may highlight these factors as potential targets for the treatment and control of neurological complications associated with viral pathogens. This review provides an overview of the roles of MMPs in various physiological processes of the CNS and their interactions with neurotropic viral pathogens.