Recombinant Human Granzyme K protein (denatured)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Granzyme K also known as protein K or 24c3 is a serine protease with a mass of approximately 27 kilodaltons. It belongs to the granzyme family of proteins which are mainly found within the cytotoxic granules of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These immune cells store granzyme K in their granules which they release to induce apoptosis in target cells. Researchers have identified granzyme K expression in various tissues and immune cells highlighting its widespread role in modulating immune responses.

Biological function summary

Granzyme K serves as a potent mediator in the immune system by inducing apoptosis in target cells. It does not act alone but rather in concert with other granzymes and proteins to effectively execute cell death. Granzyme K can degrade cellular proteins once introduced into a target cell's cytoplasm leading to apoptosis. The protease functions independently and does not require a complex for its activity contributing to the immune system's ability to eliminate infected or transformed cells.

Pathways

The granzyme K protein exists within essential immune regulatory pathways such as the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-induced apoptosis pathway and the natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathway. Granzyme K acts alongside granzymes A and B to promote programmed cell death and finely tune host immune responses. While granzymes A and B have more defined roles granzyme K complements their activity offering redundancy and ensuring efficient elimination of harmful target cells.

Granzyme K shows significant connections to inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated granzyme K levels in these diseases may result from dysregulated immune responses leading to excessive tissue damage. In autoimmune disorders granzyme K works in combination with proteins like perforin which facilitates entry of granzymes into the cell to stimulate apoptosis. Understanding granzyme K's role in these conditions may help develop therapeutic approaches to modulate immune activity and minimize tissue damage.