Granulysine

Cytolytic cytokine formed in the cytolytic granules of activated cytotoxic T cells (CD8) and NK cells. It is active together with the cytokine perforin. Perforin is integrated into the cell membrane of the target cell where it forms a pore-like structure. Certain serine proteases (granzymes) penetrate through this pore into the target cell and induce apoptosis. Granulysin has a broad antimicrobial effect. It leads to the destruction of keratinocytes in certain inflammatory processes of the skin, e.g. in Stevens-Johnson syndrome or TEN. The concentration of granulysin in the bladder contents is directly correlated to the severity of the disease.

1. Chung WH et al (2015) Oxypurinol-Specific T Cells Possess Preferential TCR Clonotypes and Express Granulysin in Allopurinol-Induced Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions. J Invest Dermatol doi: 10.1038/yid.2015.165.
2. Chung WH et al (2014) Insights into the poor prognosis of allopurinol-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions: the impact of renal insufficiency, high plasma levels of oxypurinol and granulysin. Ann Rheum Dis PubMed PMID: 25115449.
3. Su SC et al (2013) Update on pathobiology in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic erpidermal necrolysis. Dermatol Sinica 31: 174-180
4. Su SC, Chung WH (2014). Cytotoxic proteins and therapeutic targets in severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Toxins (Basel) 6:194-210
5. Cho YT et al (2013) Generalized bullous fixed drug eruption is distinct from Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis by immunohistopathological features. J Am Acad Dermatol 70:539-548