Human leukocyte elastase counteracts matrix metalloproteinase-7 induced apoptosis resistance of tumor cells.

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7/Matrilysin) is a component of the tumor microenvironment associated with malignant progression. Its expression in tumors protects tumor cells from CD95-mediated apoptosis and the cytotoxic activity of tumor specific CD8(+) T cells. In the present study, we show that human leukocyte elastase (HLE) secreted by polymorphonuclear leukocytes cleaves MMP-7 resulting in loss of enzymatic activity. The anti-apoptotic effect of MMP-7 is reduced in the presence of HLE for CD95-, doxorubicin- and CTL-mediated apoptosis. Our data indicates that HLE may be a natural inactivator of MMP-7 which can counteract MMP-7-induced apoptosis resistance.