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Title: Residual active granzyme B in cathepsin C-null lymphocytes is sufficient for perforin-dependent target cell apoptosis. Author: Sutton VR, Waterhouse NJ, Browne KA, Sedelies K, Ciccone A, Anthony D, Koskinen A, Mullbacher A, Trapani JA. Journal: J Cell Biol; 2007 Feb 12; 176(4):425-33. PubMed ID: 17283185. Abstract: Cathepsin C activates serine proteases expressed in hematopoietic cells by cleaving an N-terminal dipeptide from the proenzyme upon granule packaging. The lymphocytes of cathepsin C-null mice are therefore proposed to totally lack granzyme B activity and perforin-dependent cytotoxicity. Surprisingly, we show, using live cell microscopy and other methodologies, that cells targeted by allogenic CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) raised in cathepsin C-null mice die through perforin-dependent apoptosis indistinguishable from that induced by wild-type CTL. The cathepsin C-null CTL expressed reduced but still appreciable granzyme B activity, but minimal granzyme A activity. Also, in contrast to mice with inactivation of both their granzyme A/B genes, cathepsin C deficiency did not confer susceptibility to ectromelia virus infection in vivo. Overall, our results indicate that although cathepsin C clearly generates the majority of granzyme B activity, some is still generated in its absence, pointing to alternative mechanisms for granzyme B processing and activation. Cathepsin C deficiency also results in considerably milder immune deficiency than perforin or granzyme A/B deficiency.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]