Granzyme B is a member of the granule serine protease family stored specifically in NK cells or cytotoxic T cells. Cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells share the ability to recognize, bind, and lyse specific target cells. They are thought to protect their host by lysing cells bearing on their surface nonself antigens, usually peptides or proteins resulting from infection by intracellular pathogens. Granzyme B is crucial for the rapid induction of target cell apoptosis by CTLs in the cell-mediated immune response. Granzyme B is useful as a marker in the identification of NK/T-cell lymphomas. High percentages of cytotoxic T-cells have been shown to be an unfavorable prognostic indicator in Hodgkins Disease. Primary antibodies are available purified, or with a selection of fluorescent CF Dyes and other labels. CF Dyes offer exceptional brightness and photostability. Note: Conjugates of blue fluorescent dyes like CF405S and CF405M are not recommended for detecting low abundance targets, because blue dyes have lower fluorescence and can give higher non-specific background than other dye colors.
