Granzyme B is a serine protease enzyme that plays a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in the process of inducing apoptosis in target cells. It is predominantly found in the granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells . The recombinant form of Granzyme B, produced through genetic engineering techniques, is used extensively in research and therapeutic applications.
Granzyme B is initially synthesized as an inactive precursor, known as a zymogen, which includes an additional amino-terminal peptide sequence. This sequence is cleaved by cathepsin C, resulting in the activation of the enzyme . The mature form of Granzyme B consists of 235 amino acids, including an 8 amino acid C-terminal His-tag, and has a molecular weight of approximately 26.6 kDa .
Due to glycosylation, the protein migrates to an approximate molecular weight of 30-40 kDa under reducing and non-reducing conditions . The enzyme is highly purified, with a purity of ≥ 95% as determined by SDS-PAGE gel and HPLC analyses .
Granzyme B is a key player in the immune response, particularly in the induction of apoptosis in target cells. It is released by CTLs and NK cells upon recognition of infected or malignant cells. Granzyme B enters the target cells through perforin-formed pores and initiates a cascade of proteolytic events that lead to programmed cell death .
The enzyme cleaves various substrates, including caspases and other cellular proteins, to trigger apoptosis. This process is essential for the elimination of virus-infected cells, tumor cells, and other abnormal cells from the body .
Recombinant Granzyme B is widely used in research to study the mechanisms of apoptosis and immune responses. It is also utilized in the development of therapeutic strategies for cancer and viral infections. The recombinant form allows for consistent and controlled studies, providing valuable insights into the enzyme’s function and potential applications .