PHOSPHOLIPASE-A2 ENZYMES - REGULATION AND INHIBITION

The phospholipase A2 enzymes are important components of the cellular machinery that responds to inflammatory stimuli and maintains cell hom eostasis by membrane remodelling. Their role as the rate-limiting step in the production of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators makes these enz ymes an important therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Keith Glaser and colleagues explain how the two major grou ps of phospholipase A2, the secretory and cytosolic forms, are very di fferent both structurally and enzymatically. Understanding the relativ e contributions of these different forms of phospholipase A2 to physio logical and pathological conditions requires greater insight into thei r cellular regulation and the development of selective inhibitors.