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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.


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:

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

From Science Daily Oct. 11, 2025

In this process, the CTL does not become infected and is not harmed by the secretion of perforin and granzymes.

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

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

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

After the NK cell detects an infected or tumor cell, its cytoplasm secretes granules comprised of perforin, a destructive protein that creates a pore in the target 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

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