What is the function of granules in lymphocyte?

Granules in lymphocytes, particularly in types like natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells, contain various cytotoxic substances, including perforins and granzymes. When these lymphocytes recognize infected or cancerous cells, they release the contents of their granules to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the target cells. This mechanism is crucial for the immune response, enabling the body to eliminate harmful cells effectively. Additionally, granules can contain signaling molecules that aid in the immune response.