Platelet-activating factor synthesis enzymes (PAF synthesis enzymes)

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis enzymes are a group of enzymes responsible for the production of PAF, a potent phospholipid mediator of inflammation and thrombosis. The synthesis occurs via two distinct pathways: the remodeling pathway, which is the primary source of PAF during inflammatory responses, and the de novo pathway, which maintains basal physiological levels. The key regulated enzyme in the remodeling pathway is lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (specifically LPCAT2), which is activated by inflammatory stimuli in cells such as macrophages and neutrophils. PAF plays a critical role in various pathological conditions, including asthma, sepsis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, where it promotes tumor progression and immunosuppression. Therapeutic targeting of these enzymes, particularly selective inhibition of LPCAT2, aims to reduce PAF production to treat inflammatory and allergic disorders while avoiding the respiratory side effects associated with inhibiting the lung-specific isoform LPCAT1.

Other names

Lyso-PAF acetyltransferaseLPCAT21-alkylglycerophosphocholine acetyltransferaseAcetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase1-alkylglycerophosphate acetyltransferasePAF-cholinephosphotransferaseLPCAT1

Inhibition of PAF biosynthesis by blocking the acetyltransferase activity of enzymes like LPCAT2, thereby reducing the levels of the pro-inflammatory mediator PAF.