Granzyme

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Granzyme is a case word from Gran ula and En zym s and describes proteases that are active in the intracellular granules of immune cells, in particularly in cytotoxic T cells . They are significantly supported by the enzyme perforin . There are over 11 (according to other sources: five) different Granzymes known (A to M). They are serine proteases . Granzymes are primarily responsible for the apoptosis of the body's own and foreign cells. As a result, their importance lies in the defense against infections, transplanted foreign tissue, tumor cells and autoimmune diseases .

literature

  • CM Kam / D. Hudig / JC Powers: Granzymes (lymphocyte serine proteases). Characterization with natural and synthetic substrates and inhibitors . In: BBA - Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (Biochim. Biophys. Acta) 1477, 1-22, 2000, ISSN  0006-3002 , pp. 307-323.
  • MJ Smyth / JA Trapani: Granzymes. Exogenous proteinases that induce target cell apoptosis . In: Immunology Today 16, 1995, ISSN  0167-4919 , pp. 202-206.