Secretory calcium-dependent phospholipase A2 that primarily targets extracellular phospholipids. Hydrolyzes the ester bond of the fatty acyl group attached at the sn-2 position of phospholipids (phospholipase A2 activity), the catalytic efficiency decreasing in the following order: phosphatidylglycerols > phosphatidylethanolamines > phosphatidylcholines > phosphatidylserines . May play a role in lipid mediator production in inflammatory conditions, by providing arachidonic acid to downstream cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Cell membrane
Expressed at high levels in placenta, testis, thymus and at lower levels in heart, kidney, liver and prostate . Highly expressed in rheumatoid arthritic tissues, including synovial lining cells in the intima, capillary endothelial cells and plasma cells .