Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition in a Murine Model of Cavitary Tuberculosis Paradoxically Worsens Pathology

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix and are implicated in tuberculosis pathogenesis and cavitation. In particular, MMP-7 is induced by hypoxia and highly expressed around pulmonary cavities of Mycobacterium tuberculosis–infected C3HeB/FeJ mice. In this study, we evaluated whether administration of cipemastat, an orally available potent inhibitor of MMP-7, could reduce pulmonary cavitation in M. tuberculosis–infected C3HeB/FeJ mice. We demonstrate that, compared with untreated controls, cipemastat treatment paradoxically increases the frequency of cavitation (32% vs 7%; P = .029), immunopathology, and mortality. Further studies are needed to understand the role of MMP inhibitors as adjunctive treatments for pulmonary tuberculosis.