Use of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors to treat tuberculosis
The present invention provides a method for treating a subject suffering from tuberculosis which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising an amount of an inhibitor of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in an amount effective to treat the subject, such that the therapeutic effect of said composition is different than the therapeutic effect attributable to the antibiotic properties of said composition. The present invention also provides a method for reducing or inhibiting destruction of lung extracellular matrix in a subject comprising administering to the subject at risk for such destruction a composition comprising an amount of an inhibitor of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in an amount effective to reduce or inhibit destruction of lung extracellular matrix in the subject.
1. A method for treating a subject at risk for destruction of lung extracellular matrix comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising an amount of an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) effective to treat the subject, wherein the MMP-1 inhibitor is
a) an antibody which inhibits the binding of a natural ligand of MMP-1 to MMP-1,
b) an antisense molecule which inhibits the expression of MMP-1 in a cell,
c) an RNAi molecule which inhibits the expression of MMP1 in a cell, or
d) cipemastat.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject is suffering from tuberculosis.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the MMP-1 inhibitor is an antibody which inhibits the binding of a natural ligand of MMP-1 to MMP-1.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the MMP-1 inhibitor is an antisense molecule which inhibits the expression of MMP-1 in a cell.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the MMP-1 inhibitor is an RNAi molecule which inhibits the expression of MMP-1 in a cell.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the MMP-1 inhibitor is cipemastat.