Granzyme B, also known as GZMB, is the most prominent member of the granzyme family of cell death-inducing serine proteases expressed in the granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and NK cells. Granzyme B enters the target cells depending on another membrane-binding granule protein, perforin, results in the activation of effector caspases and mitochondrial depolarization through caspase-dependent and -independent pathways, and consequently induces rapid cell apoptosis. Over 3 substrates of GZMB have been identified including the key substrate caspase-3, ICAD, and Bid. GZMB is suggested to protect the host by lysing cells bearing on their surface 'nonself' antigens such as bacterial and viral infected-cells and tumor cells and accordingly plays an essential role in immunosurveillance.
