GZMB Gene
Granzyme B (GZMB) is a gene involved in cytotoxic killing that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in GZMB may influence how the body responds to infection, inflammation, and long-term recovery.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the GZMB gene?
GZMB encodes granzyme b, a protein involved in cytotoxic killing. It belongs to the Adaptive Immunity category and is part of the Adaptive Immunity biological cluster. Granzyme B is the principal apoptosis-inducing serine protease delivered by perforin pores into target cells. It cleaves caspases, BID, and other substrates to execute programmed cell death and is critical for CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity.
Biological role and pathway
GZMB is involved in the cytotoxic killing pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Adaptive Immunity cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.
Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
GZMB and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
Elevated granzyme B from activated NK and T cells has been documented in COVID-19 plasma, contributing to vascular damage. GzB can degrade ECM components; abnormal levels may contribute to tissue damage or impaired cytotoxic control of persistent SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs in Long COVID.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Known genetic variants
The following variants (SNPs) in the GZMB gene have been studied in relation to adaptive immunity and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
Conditions studied in relation to GZMB
Research into GZMB variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that GZMB causes or treats any condition.
Genetic insights from DNA data
Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may include GZMB and related genes in the adaptive immunity pathway.
The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Related genes in the Adaptive Immunity pathway
GZMB does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GZMB gene and what does it do?
GZMB (Granzyme B) is involved in cytotoxic killing. Granzyme B is the principal apoptosis-inducing serine protease delivered by perforin pores into target cells. It cleaves caspases, BID, and other substrates to execute programmed cell death and is critical for CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity.
How may GZMB gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
Elevated granzyme B from activated NK and T cells has been documented in COVID-19 plasma, contributing to vascular damage. GzB can degrade ECM components; abnormal levels may contribute to tissue damage or impaired cytotoxic control of persistent SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs in Long COVID.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my GZMB gene?
Consumer DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage includes SNP variants for many genes. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants that have been studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Explore your GZMB genetic insights
Upload your DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage and receive a personalised report covering >80 genes relevant to Long COVID and ME/CFS.
Get Your Personalised DNA ReportInformational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant
References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for GZMB. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33122441
- [2]Nature Immunology
- [3]Cell Reports