What role does perforin perform in the death of target cells?
A) Perforin activates caspases.
B) Perforin creates a pore in the host cell.
C) Perforin disrupts mitochondrial function.
D) Perforin cleaves and activates granzymes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Perforin creates a hole in either the host cell surface or in an endocytic vesicle containing the perforin inside the host cell. The pore allows granzymes to enter the host cell, either from the immunological synapse or from the endocytic vesicle. Granzymes, after being cleaved by cathepsin C, can then activate the caspase cascade to cause apoptosis, as well as disrupting other functions inside the cell.

What Role Does Perforin Perform in the Death of Target