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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
A Colorimetric Assay that Specifically Measures Granzyme B Proteolytic Activity: Hydrolysis of Boc-Ala-Ala-Asp-S-Bzl
Published on: November 28, 2014
Granzymes A and B serum levels in allo-SCT
B Kircher1, P Schumacher, D Nachbaur
1Department of Internal Medicine V-Hematology and Oncology, Immunobiology and Stem Cell Laboratory, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria. brigitte.kircher@i-med.ac.at
Elevated granzyme (Gr) levels in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant (Allo-SCT) can predict serious complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Monitoring GrA and GrB serum levels offers a valuable predictive tool for post-transplant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells produce granzymes (Grs).
- Granzymes are implicated in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and viral infections post-stem cell transplantation (SCT).
- Identifying reliable biomarkers for post-transplant complications is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum granzyme A (GrA) and granzyme B (GrB) levels as potential predictive markers for acute GVHD and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection following allogeneic SCT (Allo-SCT).
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum GrA and GrB levels.
- Serum samples were collected from 86 patients at various time points before and after Allo-SCT.
- Granzyme levels were correlated with the incidence and severity of acute GVHD and CMV infection.
Main Results:
- An increase in Gr levels preceding complication onset was highly predictive.
- A threefold increase in GrA levels correlated with a 73% cumulative incidence of acute GVHD and 68% for CMV infection.
- Elevated GrA levels independently predicted acute GVHD and CMV infection, with similar findings for GrB.
- No correlation was found between Gr levels and early relapse or long-term survival.
Conclusions:
- Serum granzyme protein levels serve as independent and predictive markers for significant complications after Allo-SCT.
- Monitoring GrA and GrB offers a valuable tool for early detection of acute GVHD and CMV infection.
- Granzyme levels correlate with the clinical severity of acute GVHD.
