Experimental Herpes simplex virus encephalitis: MMP-TIMP disbalance in the chronic phase of disease

Introduction: Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) remains a disease with high mortality and severe long-term neuropsychological impairment despite early antiviral treatment. Secondary mechanisms of neuronal injury other than viral replication have been proposed. Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP2 and MMP9) participate in the degradation of the basal membrane and in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix. MMP activity is regulated by the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and MMP2 activation is regulated by MMP14. A disbalance in the extracellular matrix turnover may contribute to ongo…