perforin

American

[pur-fer-in] / ˈpɜr fər ɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

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

Etymology

Origin of perforin

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

perforin

This included perforin, a protein that creates holes in target cells, and granzyme A, a toxic molecule delivered through those openings.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 25, 2026

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

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

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023