Increased inflammation delays wound healing in mice deficient in collagenase‐2 (MMP‐8)

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in numerous tissue-remodeling processes. The finding that mice deficient in collagenase-2 (MMP-8) are more susceptible to develop skin cancer, prompted us to investigate the role of this protease in cutaneous wound healing. We have observed a significant delay in wound closure in MMP8−/− mice and an altered inflammatory response in their wounds, with a delay of neutrophil infiltration during...