Natural killer cell granule protein 7 (NKG7)

Natural killer cell granule protein 7 (NKG7) is a membrane protein found primarily in the cytolytic granules of NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. It plays a key role in regulating granule exocytosis, which is essential for the destruction of infected or malignant cells. NKG7 is upregulated during immune activation and is involved in both the direct cytotoxic function of NK and CD8+ T cells and the activation of CD4+ T cells. It serves as a robust marker of cytotoxic immune cells across tissues and disease settings, including cancer and infection. Disruption of NKG7 impairs immune synapse efficiency, resulting in deficient cytolysis and prolonged cell-to-cell contact that can lead to excessive cytokine release and inflammation. No currently approved drugs directly target NKG7, but its role makes it a potential therapeutic or biomarker candidate for immuno-oncology and infection-related research.

Other names

GIG1GMP-17p15-TIA-1G-CSF-induced gene 1 proteingranule membrane protein 17granule membrane protein of 17 kDanatural killer cell protein 7natural killer cell group 7 sequence

Enhancement of immune cell cytotoxicity through granule exocytosis (drugs would act by modulating exocytosis or immune synapse efficiency, but no direct drug interaction known)