Human granzymes: related but far apart
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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

A Colorimetric Assay that Specifically Measures Granzyme B Proteolytic Activity: Hydrolysis of Boc-Ala-Ala-Asp-S-Bzl
Published on: November 28, 2014
Fatemeh Vahedi1, Nya Fraleigh2, Caitlyn Vlasschaert2
1Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada; Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran.
Abstract:
Granzymes (GZMs) are a class of serine protease, found in cytoplasmic granules of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells. The main function of these proteins has been recognized as wiping out viral infections via inducing the apoptosis. This review will highlight inter and intra species differences of GZMs in terms of their functional and structure. These futures may help to device a strategy for isolation of human specific GZMs, which are needed for understating of their role in immune system and devising an effective immune therapy.
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