基质金属蛋白酶（matrix metalloproteinase，MMP）9是MMP家族中的一种明胶酶。其作用底物广泛，参与各种生理和病理过程，是降解细胞外基质的主力，研究其特异性抑制剂对慢性炎症性疾病和肿瘤具有重要意义。此文介绍了MMP-9的结构和功能，并总结了近年来的MMP-9特异性抑制剂及其特征，为进一步研究和应用提供参考。

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is a gelatinase from MMP family. MMP-9 has a wide range of substrates and participates in various physiological and pathological processes, playing a major role in the degradation of extracellular matrix. Researches on specific MMP-9 inhibitors have important significance for inflammatory diseases and tumors. This paper states the structure and function of MMP-9, and summarizes its specific inhibitors and their characteristics in recent years, providing a reference for further research and application.