Supramolecular attack particles are autonomous killing entities released from cytotoxic T cells

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aay9207
• Publication Date: 2020-05-07T23:05:16Z
• Authors: Š. Bálint; S. Müller; R. Fischer; B. M. Kessler; M. Harkiolaki; S. Valitutti; M. L. Dustin
• Keywords: Granzyme

Supramolecular attack particles Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) are at the front lines against cancer and chronic infection. kill by secreting caspase-activating granzymes pore-forming protein perforin from dense core granules. However, structural basis of lethal hit delivery has remained unknown. Balint et al. enriched synaptic output CTLs to investigate released form granzyme B. They found that in stable called supramolecular complexes or SMAPs. The SMAPs were composed a shell structure assembled CTL secretory granules before release. showed an innate ability target cells. Science , this issue p. 897