Gelatinase B/Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 as Innate Immune Effector Molecule in Achalasia.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder resulting from selective loss of inhibitory neurons in the esophageal myenteric plexus, likely due to an autoimmune response with involvement of the adaptive immune system. Innate immune processes of the host constitute the bridge between environmental etiological factors and the adaptive immune system. Although these remain poorly investigated, they might be of diagnostic and therapeutic relevance. In view of the role of extracellular proteolysis in organ-specific autoimmunity, we studied gelatinases of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family in achalasia patients.

Methods

The presence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteoforms was analyzed in sera of two cohorts of achalasia patients. Additionally, with the use of immuno

SUBMITTER: Furuzawa-Carballeda J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6240577 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature