Humans express ten closely related secreted phospholipases A2(sPLA2).
Unique features of Group IIA sPLA2: strong cationicity; nM antibacterial activity.
Cationic properties of sPLA2-IIA promote bacterial binding, cell wall penetration.
Bacterial death follows membrane phospholipid degradation, activation of autolysins.
Antibacterial actions of sPLA2-IIA enhanced by other host defense systems.