Granzyme H (GZMH)

GZMHis located in a cluster on 14q11.2 with cathepsin G and CTSGL1. A similar cluster of genes in the mouse is located on chromosome 14 near the TCRA locus.

Granzymes are serine proteases that are released by cytoplasmic granules within cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells. Their purpose is to induce apoptosis within virus-infected cells, thus destroying them.Cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells release a protein called perforin, which attacks the target cells. Researchers used to think that perforin creates pores within the cells, through which the granzymes can enter, inducing apoptosis. However, new evidence indicates that GrB complex can enter a cell through the mannose 6-phosphate receptor and is enclosed in a vesicle.