Granzyme

Definition

Granzyme is a serine protease enzyme released by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. It induces apoptosis in target cells by cleaving specific substrates within the cell.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Granzyme works in conjunction with perforin to enter target cells and initiate apoptosis.
2. There are several types of granzymes, with Granzyme B being the most well-studied due to its potent apoptotic effects.
3. Granzymes cleave proteins at specific amino acid residues to activate caspases, which are essential for apoptosis.
4. Natural killer (NK) cells utilize granzyme to eliminate virus-infected cells and tumor cells as part of the innate immune response.
5. Granzymes can also degrade viral proteins directly, contributing to antiviral defense.

Related terms

Perforin:

A pore-forming protein that facilitates the entry of granzymes into target cells.

Apoptosis: A form of programmed cell death involving a cascade of specific cellular events leading to the death and elimination of the cell.

Cytotoxic T Cells: A type of lymphocyte that kills cancer cells, virus-infected cells, and damaged cells through mechanisms including the release of granzymes.