Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 lead to fibronectin degradation in astroglia infected with Toxoplasma gondii

► Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 were induced in astroglia infected with Toxoplasma gondii. ► Fibronectin (FN) dimer degraded into monomer. ► MMP-2 and -9 interacted with FN, respectively. ► FN showed co-labeled patterns with MMP-2 and -9 within the extracellular matrix (ECM), respectively. ► MMP-2 and -9 might be involved in ECM degradation during toxoplasmic encephalitis.