MMP2 and asthma: More recently a role for MMP2, expressed by HBECs, has been considered in ECM remodeling and data suggests that MMP2 may be key in mediating crosstalk between HBEC and their underlying myofibroblasts in the EMTU and that a net change in MMP2 activity in asthma may promote fibrosis and increased deposition of ECM, despite its role in ECM degradation (Xu et al., 2002).