Perforin is a calcium-dependent pore forming cytolytic protein. Perforin is partially homologous to the terminal components of the membrane attack complex of complement and produces pores of up to 20nm in diameter on target membranes. Killer lymphocytes release perforin and granzymes from cytotoxic granules into the immunological synapse to destroy target cells as a critical mechanism in the defense against viruses and cancer (1).
-Western-Blot-NBP1-97512-img0001.jpg "Western Blot: Perforin Antibody")
Increased perforin levels have been detected in Western blots using perforin antibodies in autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (2). Mutations in the perforin gene have been described in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and increased Perforin expression in cytotoxic lymphocytes from patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and their family members has been detected by anti-perforin antibodies (3). A novel flow cytometric assay focusing on perforin release mechanisms of cytotoxic T lymphocytes for quantitation of perforin release using perforin antibodies has been described where cytotoxic T lymphocytes are major players in immune defense as they contribute to the maintenance of immune homeostasis (4).
Novus Biologicals offers Perforin reagents for your research needs including:
