Secreted by activated microglia, degrade the extracellular matrix contributing to tissue injury. MMP8 modulates TNF-α activation and stimulates the production of IL-6 and NO. MMP-3 and MMP-9 regulate IL-1β, IL-1Ra, iNOS, and IL-6 gene expression at the transcriptional level and that of TNF-α at the post-transcriptional level.MMP-2 and MMP-9 are associated with increased BBB permeability, and inhibition of MMP-9 and MMP-2 improves acute cognitive alterations associated with sepsis. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is Sepsis.