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Updated: Aug 31, 2026
A High Yield and Cost-efficient Expression System of Human Granzymes in Mammalian Cells
Published on: June 10, 2015
The orphan granzymes of humans and mice
William J Grossman1, Paula A Revell, Zhi Hong Lu
1Department of Pediatrics, Hale Irwin Center for Pediatric Oncology, #1 St Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Abstract:
The granzyme/perforin pathway is a central pathway for lymphocyte-mediated killing in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. This pathway is important in a variety of host defenses, including viral clearance and tumor cell killing, and its dysregulation results in several human and rodent diseases. To date, the majority of reports in this field have concentrated on the functions of granzymes A and B. Recent reports, however, suggest that the non-A/non-B 'orphan' granzymes found in both humans and mice are potentially significant. Although the functions of these orphan granzymes have yet to be fully established, initial data suggests their importance in both immune and nonimmune cells.
Insights
The granzyme/perforin pathway is crucial for immune cell killing. Research now highlights the significance of
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The granzyme/perforin pathway is vital for lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity in innate and adaptive immunity.
- This pathway plays a key role in host defense against viral infections and tumor cells.
- Dysregulation of this pathway is linked to various human and rodent diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emerging roles of 'orphan' granzymes (non-A/non-B granzymes) in cellular functions.
- To explore the potential significance of these less-studied granzymes in both immune and non-immune cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature focusing on granzyme function.
- Analysis of preliminary data on orphan granzyme activity.
Main Results:
- While granzymes A and B have been extensively studied, recent findings indicate the importance of other granzymes.
- Orphan granzymes, present in humans and mice, show potential significance in cellular processes.
- Initial data suggests involvement of orphan granzymes in both immune and non-immune cell functions.
Conclusions:
- The functions of orphan granzymes are not yet fully understood but are increasingly recognized.
- Further research into orphan granzymes is warranted to elucidate their roles in health and disease.
