Altered expression of the plasminogen activation pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in multiple sclerosis: possible pathomechanism of matrix metalloproteinase activation

Abstract

High expression levels of MMP9 have been associated with MS and the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, while IFN-beta therapy decreases MMP9 expression. We confirm altered MMP9 expression in MS, and identify dysregulation within the plasminogen activation cascade, a pathway involved in the activation of MMP9.