GNLY
Description
The GNLY (granulysin) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
Granulysin (GNLY) is a protein expressed in most mammals, functioning as an antimicrobial peptide released by killer lymphocytes in cytotoxic granules. It forms pores in microbial cell walls, allowing entry of death-inducing enzymes, leading to microptosis. GNLY is inhibited by cholesterol and most effective against cholesterol-deficient microbes. It belongs to the saponin-like protein family and is encoded on human chromosome 2. Its structure features five α-helices. Expression is limited to cytotoxic immune cells such as cytotoxic T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and γδ T cells. Orthologs exist in most mammals, like cows and pigs, but not rodents. Granulysin plays a role in diseases including Leprosy and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Granulysin exists in two forms: a 15kDa precursor protein, the translation product, and a 9kDa cytotoxic protein, formed after cleavage of the 15kDa protein.
GNLY is also known as D2S69E, LAG-2, LAG2, NKG5, TLA519.
