MMP-2 probe in vivo imaging based technique for tracking ALI/ARDS in mice

What is it about?

In this Study, we are modifying MMP2 probe based on in vivo in live mice treated with LPS intranasally. Our data demonstrated that MMP2 fluorescence probe, can provide a promising in vivo diagnostic for ALI/ARDS in infected mice at several stages (30 min to 24h). Further studies are warranted to determine whether immune cells secretions of other proteases are affected by COVID-19 which lead to ARDS.

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Why is it important?

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent proteinase which is capable of cleavage extracellular matrix proteins and enzymes that has an important role in lung dysfunction, MMP2 are produced by the lung alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells and other immune cells such macrophages. Therefore, MMP2 regulatory pathway are initiated in alveolar macrophages during acute lung injury, which may exacerbate the pulmonary inflammation. Thus, there is a critical need for the development of a fluorescence imaging for the tracking of ARDS