Perforin
Perforin
Perforin (pronounced: per-fo-rin) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the immune system's function. It is produced by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and is used to attack and destroy cells that have been infected with viruses or have become cancerous.
Etymology
The term "perforin" is derived from the Latin word "perforare," which means "to pierce through." This is a reference to the protein's function, which involves creating pores in the target cell's membrane, leading to cell death.
Function
Perforin is a key player in the immune response, specifically in the process of cell-mediated cytotoxicity. When a cell in the body is infected with a virus or becomes cancerous, cytotoxic T cells and NK cells recognize these abnormal cells. They then release perforin, which forms pores in the cell membrane of the target cell. This allows for the entry of other proteins, such as granzymes, into the infected cell, leading to its destruction.
Related Terms
- Cytotoxic T cells: These are a type of white blood cell that can kill cancer cells, cells that are infected (particularly with viruses), or cells that are damaged in other ways.
- Natural killer cells: NK cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system. They provide rapid responses to viral-infected cells and respond to tumor formation.
- Granzymes: These are serine proteases that are released by cytoplasmic granules within cytotoxic T cells and NK cells along with perforin to induce apoptosis in the target cells.
- Apoptosis: Also known as programmed cell death, it is a process that occurs in multicellular organisms where the cell self-destructs, which is an essential part of growth and development.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Perforin
- Wikipedia's article - Perforin
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