Granzyme B (Granzyme 2, Fragmentin 2, Human lymphocyte protein, Granzyme-B, GrB, GZMB, C11, CTLA-1, Cathepsin G-like 1, CTSGL1, Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte proteinase 2, Lymphocyte protease, HLP, SECT, T-cell serine protease 1-3E)

Granzymes are exogenous serine proteinases (enzymes) that are released from cytoplasmic granules of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) and NK cells. The name “granzymes” is derived from: granules + enzymes. These granules contain next to granzymes other proteins including a pore-forming protein (Perforin). Upon binding of the CTL to a target cell (by CTL-receptor and antigen-presenting MHC molecules on the target cell) the contents of the granules are released in the intercellular space where after perforine will “perforate” the target cell membrane by forming transmembrane pores. Through these pores the granzymes can now enter the cytosol of the target cell. Granzyme B activates the intracellular cascade of caspases finally resulting in the killing of the target cells. Also Granzyme A is able to induce apoptosis in the target cell but the molecular mechanisms of the pathway involved need to be clarified. Percentages of the Granzyme A and B positive CTLs can be determined by flow cytometry and immunocytochemical methods for many disorders. Not all granzymes enter the target cell, part of them also “leak” in to the peripheral blood and other biological fluids. Detectable amounts of granzymes have been found to circulate in healthy volunteers. These soluble granzymes can be measured by ELISAs. Viral infections: Increased levels of soluble granzymes have been found with patients suspected of an increased NK cell and CTL-response caused by systemic viral infections such as EBV, HIV, CMV, hepatitis A and Dengue fever. Lymphomas and carcinomas: It is shown that the presence of a high percentage of Granzyme B positive CTLs in glands of patients suffering from Hodgkin’s disease correlate with a severe prognosis. Rheumatoid arthritis: Soluble Granzyme A and B is increased in synovial fluid from rheumatoid arthritis and significantly higher than levels in patients with osteoarthrosis. Transplantation: Granzymes are likely involved in the acute rejection of kidney-transplants, as infiltrating lymphocytes in the rejected kidney strongly express granzymes. Increasing plasma levels of soluble granzymes in patients with a kidney transplants suggest a systemic viral infection, in particular an infection by CMV.

• References to Granzyme B (Granzyme 2, Fragmentin 2, Human lymphocyte protein, Granzyme-B, GrB, GZMB, C11, CTLA-1, Cathepsin G-like 1, CTSGL1, Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte proteinase 2, Lymphocyte protease, HLP, SECT, T-cell serine protease 1-3E)