Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: Biol Chem. 2006 Jul;387(7):827-37.Click here to read Links

Extracellular granzymes: current perspectives.

Buzza MS, Bird PI.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia.

Granzyme A (GrA) and granzyme B (GrB) play key roles in the induction of target cell death induced by cytotoxic lymphocytes. Whilst these roles have been extensively studied, it is becoming apparent that both granzymes also possess extracellular activities. Soluble granzymes are found extracellularly in normal plasma and are elevated in a number of diseases, ranging from viral and bacterial infections to autoimmune diseases. Here, we discuss the current knowledge of extracellular granzyme substrates, inhibitors and functions; and the pathological consequences of extracellular granzymes in disease. In addition, we provide new evidence for the role of glycosaminoglycan-binding sites of granzymes in extracellular matrix remodeling.

PMID: 16913832 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]