MMP2 and neoplasm: However, TIMP-2 is unique because the complex of MT1-MMP/TIMP-2 acts as a pro-MMP-2 receptor and contributes to the activation of pro-MMP-2 on the cell surface.[5,52] Furthermore, Valacca et al[53] reported that the MT1-MMP/TIMP-2 complex is able to protect tumor cells against apoptosis by activating the AKP pathway in vitro.