Perforin Antibody

Perforin-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PRF1 gene. It is mapped to 10q22.1. PRF1 is a cytolytic protein found in the granules of Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and NK cells. Upon degranulation, it inserts itself into the target cells plasma membrane, forming a pore. The lytic membrane-inserting part of Perforin is the MACPF domain. This region shares homology with cholesterol-dependent cytolysins from Gram-positive bacteria. PRF1 has structural and functional similarities to complement component 9 (C9). Like C9, this protein creates transmembrane tubules and is capable of lysing non-specifically a variety of target cells. This protein is one of the main cytolytic proteins of cytolytic granules, and it is known to be a key effector molecule for T-cell- and natural killer-cell-mediated cytolysis. PRF1 is thought to act by creating holes in the plasma membrane which triggers an influx of calcium and initiates membrane repair mechanisms. These repair mechanisms bring perforin and granzymes into early endosomes.