MMP-9 activity is induced by Leishmania braziliensis infection and correlates with mucosal leishmaniasis

► L. braziliensis infection induced a significant increase in gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9 secreted by cultured human macrophages. ► L. braziliensis did not secrete MMP-9. ► Macrophages from ML group showed higher levels of MMP-9 activity compared to LCL. ► Differential MMP-9 activity is due to MMP-9 extracellular activation.