Matrix metalloprotease-7 is associated with post-COVID persistent lung abnormalities.

A growing body of evidence indicates that a subset of patients with severe COVID-19 may present persistent lung damage, including fibrotic changes on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and decline of pulmonary function [1–4]. However, studies dealing with biomarkers that may predict an individual's risk of presenting residual lung abnormalities are scanty. Footnotes This manuscript has recently been accepted for publication in the ERJ Open Research . It is published here in its accepted form prior to copyediting and typesetting by our production team. After these production processes are complete and the authors have approved the resulting proofs, the article will move to the latest issue of the ERJOR online. Please open or download the PDF to view this article. Conflict of interest: F.A.M, C.D, G.M are employees of ENA Respiratory Pty Ltd, receive an annual salary and other benefits. In addition, they have shares and share options and are named inventors on numerous granted or pending patent applications controlled by ENA. Conflict of Interest: The authors have nothing to disclose.