TY - JOUR T1 - A therapeutic role for matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors in lung diseases? JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J SP - 1200 LP - 1214 DO - 10.1183/09031936.00027411 VL - 38 IS - 5 AU - R.E. Vandenbroucke AU - E. Dejonckheere AU - C. Libert Y1 - 2011/11/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/5/1200.abstract N2 - Disruption of the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors is considered a key event in the development of pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, interstitial lung diseases and lung cancer. This imbalance often results in elevated net MMP activity, making MMP inhibition an attractive therapeutic strategy. Although promising results have been obtained, the lack of selective MMP inhibitors, together with limited knowledge regarding the exact functions of a particular MMP, hampers clinical application. This review discusses the involvement of different MMPs in lung disorders and future opportunities and limitations of therapeutic MMP inhibition. ER -