D2.342 - Changes of MMP-9 and MMP-12 in response of acute viral infection in virtual model of macrophages

Macrophages are known to contribute an important role in the balance of extracellular homeostasis. MMP-12 is mainly produced by macrophages and has protective effects such as anti-tumori­genic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. MMP-9 is an important component that involved in mechanism of fibrosis. We already presented virtual model between M1 and M2 macrophages after viral infection. We tried to predict the responses of MMP-9 and MMP-12 after acute viral infection using this model.

MMP-9 and MMP-12 were added in the model along with their parameters. Baseline conditions were selected from literatures and parameters were estimated. Simulations were performed with changing the time and intensity of infection. Asthmatic condition was experimented with changing IFN-b and IL-4 producing rate. 

MMP-12 showed higher peak and longer duration of increase in response to more viral load. MMP-12 also showed longer duration of increase in response to longer duration of viral infection. While, changes of MMP-9 were less than that of MMP-12 in both experiments of intensity and duration of infection. There were a few changes in both MMPs between normal and asthma-like condition. 

We could predict alterations of MMP-9 and MMP-12 in acute stage of viral infection, which there has not been experimental data. Further modifications of model are required to add factors of neutrophils or inhibition.