GZMB

Abundant protease in the cytosolic granules of cytotoxic T-cells and NK-cells which activates caspase-independent pyroptosis when delivered into the target cell through the immunological synapse. It cleaves after Asp. Once delivered into the target cell, acts by catalyzing cleavage of gasdermin-E (GSDME), releasing the pore-forming moiety of GSDME, thereby triggering pyroptosis and target cell death. Seems to be linked to an activation cascade of caspases (aspartate-specific cysteine proteases) responsible for apoptosis execution. Cleaves caspase-3, -9 and -10 (CASP3, CASP9 and CASP10, respectively) to give rise to active enzymes mediating apoptosis. Cleaves and activates CASP7 in response to bacterial infection, promoting plasma membrane repair (By similarity)..

Function from UniProtKB (P10144), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.