The present invention provides a method for treating a subject suffering from tuberculosis which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising an amount of an inhibitor of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in an amount effective to treat the subject, such that the therapeutic effect of said composition is different than the therapeutic effect attributable to the antibiotic properties of said composition. The present invention also provides a method for reducing or inhibiting destruction of lung extracellular matrix in a subject comprising administering to the subject at risk for such destruction a composition comprising an amount of an inhibitor of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in an amount effective to reduce or inhibit destruction of lung extracellular matrix in the subject.