Phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2-IIA, sPLA2-IIA)

Phospholipase A2 group IIA is a member of the secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) superfamily, characterized by a conserved Ca²⁺-binding domain and a His/Asp dyad catalytic center. It hydrolyzes the sn-2 position of phospholipids, releasing polyunsaturated fatty acids (mainly arachidonic acid) and lysophospholipids, which serve as precursors for proinflammatory mediators like prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. sPLA2-IIA participates in the innate immune response by directly killing bacteria and amplifying inflammatory signaling in acute and chronic diseases. Its concentration increases dramatically during inflammation and infection, making it both a mediator and biomarker of disease severity. Drugs targeting sPLA2-IIA act primarily by inhibiting its catalytic activity, but therapeutic development is complicated by issues of specificity and the enzyme's physiological roles in host defense.

Other names

Human group IIA phospholipase A2hGIIAGroup IIA secreted phospholipase A2sPLA2-IIA

Direct binding to and inhibition of the GIIA sPLA2 active site; Inhibition of hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids, blocking the release of pro-inflammatory mediators