Phospholipases A2 in ocular homeostasis and diseases

Phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂s) and its generation of second messengers play an important role in signal transduction, cell proliferation, cell survival and gene expression. At low concentrations mediators of PLA₂ activity have a variety of physiological effects whereas high levels of PLA₂ and its metabolites are generated during pathological conditions. The eye is an immunoprivileged organ with tight barriers and a complex interplay among various cell types. Overall, vision is a complex process which requires a clear corneal surface and lens, and thereby a clear pathway through the eye into the retina. In the retina the photoreceptors transmit light into neuronal signals that are finally transferred to the brain to perceive an image. Growing knowledge of a role of PLA₂ in ocular diseases appears and the present review aims to summarize the vast literature on PLA₂ in the normal eye as well as during pathological conditions.