Phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) constitutes a growing superfamily of lipolytic enzymes, and to date, at least 19 distinct enzymes have been found in mammals. This class of enzymes has attracted considerable interest as a pharmacological target in view of its role in lipid signaling and its involvement in a variety of in£ammatory conditions. PLA 2 s hydrolyze the sn-2 ester bond of cellular phospholipids, producing a free fatty acid and a lysophospholipid, both of which are lipid signaling molecules. The free fatty acid produced is frequently arachidonic acid (AA,5,8,11,, the precursor of the eicosanoid family of potent in£ammatory mediators that includes prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes and lipoxins. Multiple PLA 2 enzymes are active within and surrounding the cell and these enzymes have distinct, but interconnected roles in AA release.