TGB1s

TGB1s, also known as T-cell granular proteins 1, are a family of proteins found in the granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells. These cells are crucial components of the adaptive and innate immune systems, respectively, and play a vital role in recognizing and eliminating target cells, such as virus-infected cells or tumor cells. The TGB1 proteins are secreted by these lymphocytes upon activation and are involved in inducing apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in the target cells.

The TGB1 family includes several members, with TGB1A and TGB1B being the most extensively studied. These proteins share a common structural motif, characterized by a conserved pore-forming domain. Upon release into the immunological synapse between the cytotoxic lymphocyte and the target cell, TGB1 proteins are thought to insert themselves into the target cell membrane, forming pores. These pores can disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane, leading to cell lysis. Furthermore, TGB1 proteins can also facilitate the entry of other cytotoxic molecules, such as granzymes, into the target cell, which then trigger apoptotic pathways.

Research into TGB1s has shed light on the intricate mechanisms of cell-mediated immunity. Understanding the precise roles and interactions of TGB1 proteins is important for developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases involving immune dysregulation, including cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune disorders. The study of TGB1s continues to be an active area of research in immunology.