The fact that TIMP-2 plays a protective role while that of TIMP-1 is minimal, supports the tenet that differing MMPs impart divergent effects on atherosclerosis.43 Moreover, we provide strong evidence for a detrimental role of monocyte/macrophage MMP-14 expression/activity in atherosclerotic plaque development and progression, and illustrate it as a therapeutic target. This evidence concerns the gene TIMP1 and atherosclerosis.