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Abstract
Purpose: The presence of the active form of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and an increased concentration of tryptase are characteristics of tear fluid of individuals with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Although tryptase does not mediate the activation of purified MMP-2, we have now examined whether it might activate MMP-2 in the presence of cultured human corneal fibroblasts. Methods: Corneal fibroblasts were cultured in the absence or presence of tryptase, and the activation status of MMP-2 was determined by gelatin zymography. Results: MMP-2 released from corneal fibroblasts was activated by exogenous tryptase. This effect was not mediated by protease-activated receptor 2 or the plasmin-plasminogen system, and it was not apparent on incubation of tryptase with medium conditioned by corneal fibroblasts. It was inhibited by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 but not by TIMP-1. Conclusions: Tryptase activates MMP-2 released from corneal fibroblasts. This action requires the presence of the cells themselves and might be responsible for the presence of activated MMP-2 in tear fluid of individuals with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.