Figure 2.

Involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a disintegrin and a metalloproteinase (ADAMs), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in immune function. The substrate repertoire generated through shedding, clipping, and regulated-intramembrane processing (RIPping) provides insight into the role of the metalloproteinase axis in immune cell adhesion and migration, the generation of chemokine gradients, and humoral and cell-mediated immunity [9]. ICAM, intracellular adhesion molecule; IL, interleukin; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; TNFR, TNF receptor; VCAM, vascular cell adhesion molecule.