Granzymes are serine proteases released by cytoplasmic granules within cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. They induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the target cell, thus eliminating cells that have become cancerous or are infected with viruses or bacteria. [1] . Granzymes also kill bacteria [2] and inhibit viral replication.

Feb 12, 2001 · Granzymes, a family of serine proteases, are expressed exclusively by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, components of the immune system that protect higher organisms against viral infection and cellular transformation.

Granzymes are a family of serine proteases, composed of five human members: GA, B, H, M and K. They were first discovered in the 1980s within cytotoxic granules released during NK cell- and T cell-mediated killing.

Granzymes (Gzms), a family of cytotoxic proteases, are key players in cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) elimination of target cells. Gzms are also expressed by other immune cells, such as natural killer cells [1, 2] and mast cells [3], but we mainly focus on CD8 T cell expression of Gzms here.

Feb 12, 2001 · Granzymes, a family of serine proteases, are expressed exclusively by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, components of the immune system that protect higher organisms against viral

Members of the granzyme family of proteases (also called fragmentins) are exocytosed (along with perforin) toward the target cell membrane during CTL and NK cell degranulation. The granzymes are neutral serine proteases of size 27–65 kDa that are found almost exclusively in cytolytic granules.

Granzymes are a family of granule serine proteases found specifically in the cytotoxic granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells.

Feb 20, 2025 · The protein, called granzyme K, whose role until now was unclear, drives inflammation and tissue damage in a range of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. The findings, based on research in mice and human tissue, may inform new targeted treatments that block harmful immune activation and prevent tissue damage.

Feb 12, 2001 · Granzymes, a family of serine proteases, are expressed exclusively by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, components of the immune system that protect higher organisms against viral infection and cellular transformation.

Apr 30, 2024 · Granzymes (granule-secreted enzymes) are a family of serine proteases that have been viewed as redundant cytotoxic enzymes since their discovery more than 30 years ago.