Macrophage elastase (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-12) is a potent protease that contributes to the lung destruction that accompanies cigarette smoking; it simultaneously inhibits lung tumor angiogenesis and metastasis by catalyzing the formation of antiangiogenic peptides. Recent studies have revealed novel nonproteolytic functions of MMP12， including antimicrobial activity through a peptide within its C-terminal domain (CTD).
Macrophage elastase (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-12) is a potent protease that contributes to the lung destruction that accompanies cigarette smoking; it simultaneously inhibits lung tumor angiogenesis and metastasis by catalyzing the formation of antiangiogenic peptides. Recent studies have revealed novel nonproteolytic functions of MMP12， including antimicrobial activity through a peptide within its C-terminal domain (CTD).
