Target cell apoptosis induced by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells involves synergy between the pore‐forming protein, perforin, and the serine protease, granzyme B

Abstract

Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CL) comprise two effector cell populations with the ability to eliminate unwanted or harmful cells. Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) demonstrate both an exquisite specificity and memory in recognising target cell oligopeptides presented within the groove of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens. By contrast, natural killer (NK) cells mediate ‘innate’ immunity against virus‐infected cells and surveillance against neoplastic transformation, and do not require presensitisation. Despite recognising target cells in very different ways, CTLs and NK cells both utilise a pore‐forming protein, perforin, and a battery of serine proteases as a principal means of inflicting ce..