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. 2021 Aug 3;12(16):1615–1626. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.28031

Figure 2. Perforin-granzyme NK cells mediated apoptotic pathway.

Figure 2

Granzyme A activates the caspase-independent pathway and results in DNA damage and apoptosis. Granzyme B initiates the caspase-dependent pathway via Bax/Bak interactions with the mitochondria and releases cytochrome c. The discharge of cytochrome c from the mitochondrion leads to apoptosome formation with the aid from apoptotic activator protease factor 1 (Apaf-1) and pro caspase-9 which in the process gets activated and initiates the stimulation effector caspase-3 and induces apoptosis.