GZMH

This gene encodes a member of the peptidase S1 family of serine proteases. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants, at least one of which encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate a chymotrypsin-like protease. This protein is reported to be constitutively expressed in the NK (natural killer) cells of the immune system and may play a role in the cytotoxic arm of the innate immune response by inducing target cell death and by directly cleaving substrates in pathogen-infected cells. This gene is present in a gene cluster with another member of the granzyme subfamily on chromosome 14.

granzyme H

Cytotoxic chymotrypsin-like serine protease with preference for bulky and aromatic residues at the P1 position and acidic residues at the P3' and P4' sites. Probably necessary for target cell lysis in cell-mediated immune responses. Participates in the antiviral response via direct cleavage of several proteins essential for viral replication.

Apoptotic process Source: UniProtKB
Cytolysis Source: UniProtKB-KW

Cytolytic granule