GranzymeGranzymes 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. Granzymes also kill bacteria and inhibit viral replication. In NK cells and T cells, granzymes are packaged in cytotoxic granules along with perforin.
ApoptosisForm of programmed cell deathApoptosis (from Ancient Greek: ἀπόπτωσις, romanized: apóptōsis, lit. 'falling off') is a form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms and in some eukaryotic, single-celled microorganisms such as yeast. Biochemical events lead to characteristic cellular changes (morphology) and death. These changes include blebbing, cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and mRNA decay.
Perforin-1More reference expression dataBioGPSEnsemblUniProtRefSeq (mRNA)RefSeq (protein)Location (UCSC)Chr 10: 70.6 – 70.6 MbChr 10: 61.13 – 61.14 MbPubMed searchWikidataPerforin-1, encoded by the PRF1 gene, is a pore-forming toxic protein housed in the secretory granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Together, these cells are known as cytotoxic lymphocytes (CLs).
Serine proteaseSerine proteases (or serine endopeptidases) are enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in proteins. Serine serves as the nucleophilicamino acid at the enzyme's active site. They are found ubiquitously in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Serine proteases fall into two broad categories based on their structure: chymotrypsin-like (trypsin-like) or subtilisin-like.
CytokineCytokines () are a broad and loose category of small proteins (~5–25 kDa) important in cell signaling. Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells, including immune cells, as well as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and various types of connective tissue cells. A single cytokine may be produced by more than one type of cell. Cytokines are usually too large to cross cell membranes and enter cells.
Extracellular matrixIn biology, the extracellular matrix (ECM), also called the intercellular matrix, is a network consisting of extracellularmacromolecules and minerals, such as collagen, enzymes, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and hydroxyapatite that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.
Type 1 diabetesForm of diabetes mellitusMedical conditionType 1 diabetes (T1D), or type 1 diabetes mellitus, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin. Insulin is used by the body to store and convert blood sugar into energy. T1D results in high blood sugar levels in the body prior to treatment due to the lack of insulin.
InflammationInflammation (from Latin: ) is part of the biological defence response of body tissues. Inflammatory immunovascular responses can be triggered by a broad range of stimuli, including physical trauma, "dead, damaged, malfunctioning or stressed tissues", pathogens, irritants, toxins, overuse, autoimmunity, allergens, and foreign bodies (e.g. silica and asbestos).
Cytotoxic T cellA killer T cell (also known as TC, cytotoxic T lymphocyte, CTL, T-killer cell, cytolytic T cell, CD8 T-cell or cd8) is a T lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) that kills cancer cells, cells that are infected by intracellular pathogens such as viruses or bacteria, or cells that are damaged in other ways. Most cytotoxic T cells express T-cell receptors (TCRs) that can recognize a specific antigen.
Autoimmune diseaseAn autoimmune disease is a condition causing disease that results from an anomalous response of the adaptive immune system, wherein it mistakenly targets and attacks healthy, functioning parts of the body as if they were foreign organisms. It is estimated that there are more than 80 recognized autoimmune diseases, with recent scientific evidence suggesting the existence of potentially more than 100 distinct conditions. Nearly any body part can be involved.
BasophilBasophils are a type of white blood cell. Basophils are the least common type of granulocyte, representing about 0.5% to 1% of circulating white blood cells. They are the largest type of granulocyte. They are responsible for inflammatory reactions during immune response, as well as in the formation of acute and chronic allergic diseases, including anaphylaxis, asthma, atopic dermatitis and hay fever.
Natural killer cellNatural killer cells, also known as NK cells, are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system. They are a kind of large granular lymphocyte (LGL), belong to the rapidly expanding family of known innate lymphoid cells (ILC), and represent 5–20% of all circulating lymphocytes in humans. The role of NK cells is analogous to that of cytotoxic T cells in the vertebrate adaptive immune response.
Mast cellA mast cell (also known as a mastocyte or a labrocyte) is a resident cell that develops and lives in connective or mucosal tissue and contains many small secretorygranules for the storage and release of histamine, heparin and other mediators. Derived from myeloid progenitor cells, mast cells are granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, and part of the immune and neuroimmune systems.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.