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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
A Colorimetric Assay that Specifically Measures Granzyme B Proteolytic Activity: Hydrolysis of Boc-Ala-Ala-Asp-S-Bzl
Published on: November 28, 2014
Distinct expression of perforin and granzyme B in lip and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Nádia Lago Costa1, Andréia Souza Gonçalves, Nathália Caroline Souza-Lima
1Department of Stomatology (Oral Pathology), Dental School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
Background:
Perforin and granzyme B (GB) are the main constituents of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte granules, and they have important roles in preventing the initiation and progression of cancer.
Methods:
The aim of this study was to compare the expression of CD8(+) /perforin(+) double-staining and GB(+) cells, by immunohistochemistry, in primary oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), non-dysplastic leukoplakia (LK), dysplastic LK, actinic cheilitis (AC), oral lichen planus (LP) and normal oral mucosa.
Results:
Our results showed a higher expression of CD8(+) /perforin(+) and GB(+) cells in LSCC when compared with the samples of OCSCC, non-dysplastic and dysplastic LK, AC, oral LP and normal oral mucosa. In addition, increased CD8(+) /perforin(+) and GB(+) cell numbers were observed in all pre-malignant lesions (non-dysplastic LK, dysplastic LK, AC) when compared with the control.
Conclusions:
Perforin and GB proteins may contribute to antitumoural immunity, leading to the direct killing of tumour cells; however, it seems to occur more effectively in LSCC than OCSCC.
