Abstract: 【Abstract】  Matrix metalloproteinase（MMP）family is a class of endogenous peptidases involved in normal physiological processes of the body， such as embryonic development， wound healing， angiogenesis， cartilage absorption，etc. However， during infection， over-expression of activated matrix metalloproteinase can lead to immunopathological change， induce disease or death， also contribute to the spread or survival of pathogens. Some human parasites such as Plasmodium， Toxoplasma gondii， Cysticercus cellulosae， Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae can invade the central nervous system， and cause inflammatory response dominated by eosinophil infiltration. This article reviews function and pathological mechanism of MMP during the infection of relevant parasites involving brain.

Key words: Matrix metalloproteinase, Parasite infection, Blood-brain barrier, Immunopathology