HGNC ID: 4711

Target Abstract:

Granzymes are serine proteases secreted by cytoplasmic granules released by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Granzymes induce apoptosis in virus-infected cells, thereby killing them. Human granzymes include granzyme A, granzyme B, granzyme H, granzyme K, and granzyme M. Of these, granzyme K is produced by the GZMK gene code. This gene product is a member of the group of related serine proteases. Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells have a pronounced ability to recognize, bind to, and lyse specific target cells, and they protect the host by lysing cells carrying “not-me" antigens on their surfaces, which are usually peptides or proteins infected by intracellular pathogens. Granzyme K lacks the conserved sequence involved in N-glycosylation found in other granzymes. High levels of granzyme K are present in patients with sepsis.