Modulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) secretion in B lymphopoiesis.

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, thus involved in cellular migration. The extent and role of MMPs secretion in primary non-transformed B cells, and specifically during early stages of development in the bone marrow (BM), has been barely unveiled. Herein, we investigated the secretion of MMP-9 during B lymphopoiesis and its modulation in response to different mitogens and cytokines.