Granulysin blocks replication of varicella-zoster virus and triggers apoptosis of infected cells

Granulysin, a lytic protein present in cytolytic granules of human natural killer and cytotoxic T cells, entered cells infected with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Exposure to granulysin accelerated death of infected cells as assessed by apoptosis markers. The functional domain of granulysin that med iated its antiviral effects was amino acid 23-51; this domain also mediates the additional antitumor cell effects of granulysin, Because granulysin is a product of natural killer cells and T lymphocytes, it is possible that i ts antiviral activity may act as a mediator of innate and adaptive immune m echanisms.