This gene encodes a member of the granzyme subfamily of proteins, part of the peptidase S1 family of serine proteases. The encoded preproprotein is secreted by natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and proteolytically processed to generate the active protease, which induces target cell apoptosis. This protein also processes cytokines and degrades extracellular matrix proteins, and these roles are implicated in chronic inflammation and wound healing. Expression of this gene may be elevated in human patients with cardiac fibrosis. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2016],catalytic activity:Preferential cleavage: -Asp-|-Xaa- >> -Asn-|-Xaa- > -Met-|-Xaa-, -Ser-|-Xaa-.,function:This enzyme is necessary for target cell lysis in cell-mediated immune responses. It cleaves after Asp. Seems to be linked to an activation cascade of caspases (aspartate-specific cysteine proteases) responsible for apoptosis execution. Cleaves caspase-3, -7, -9 and 10 to give rise to active enzymes mediating apoptosis.,induction:By staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) in peripheral blood leukocytes.,similarity:Belongs to the peptidase S1 family.,similarity:Belongs to the peptidase S1 family. Granzyme subfamily.,similarity:Contains 1 peptidase S1 domain.,subcellular location:Cytoplasmic granules of cytolytic T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells.,
