perforin

American  

[pur-fer-in] / ˈpɜr fər ɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a protein produced by killer cells of the immune system that causes disintegration of targeted cells by forming pores in their membranes.

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Etymology

Origin of perforin

First recorded in 1980–85; perfor(ate) ( def. ) + -in ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

They eliminate these threats through a process called degranulation, which releases a protein known as perforin.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2025

Granzymes are released along with the perforin in the immunological synapse.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Binding of TCRs with antigens activates CTLs to release perforin and granzyme, degradative enzymes that will induce apoptosis of the infected cell.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

A perforin is a protein that forms pores in the membranes of infected cells.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

A granzyme is a protein-digesting enzyme that enters the cell via the perforin pores and triggers apoptosis intracellularly.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013