Phospholipase A2
![](/Images/godic/202502/02/Phospholipases25715.png")
![](/Images/godic/202502/02/1poc5715.png")
![Close-up rendering of PLA2 active site with phosphate enzyme inhibitor. Calcium ion (pink) coordinates with phosphate (light blue). Phosphate mimics tetrahedral intermediate blocking substrate access to active site. His-48, Asp-99, and 2 water molecules are also shown.[16]](/Images/godic/202502/02/PLA2_picture5716.png")
![Mechanism of hydrolysis catalyzed by PLA2](/Images/godic/202502/02/Chem_draw5716.png")
Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) EC3.1.1.4 are enzymes that release fatty acids from the second carbon group of glycerol. This particular phospholipase specifically recognizes the sn-2 acyl bond of phospholipids and catalytically hydrolyzes the bond releasing arachidonic acid and lysophosphatidic acid. Upon downstream modification by cyclooxygenases, arachidonic acid is modified into active compounds called eicosanoids. Eicosanoids include prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are categorized as anti-inflammatory and inflammatory mediators.