The elimination of infected or tumor cells by direct lysis is a key T and NK cell effector
function. T and NK cells can kill target cells by coordinated secretion of cytotoxic granules
containing one or both pore-forming proteins, perforin and granulysin and combinations of
granzyme (Gzm) family effector proteases (in humans: Gzm A, B, K, M and H).
Understanding the pattern of expression of cytotoxic molecules and the relationship to
different states of T and NK cells may have direct relevance for immune responses in …