Active site mutants of human secreted Group IIA Phospholipase A2 lacking hydrolytic activity retain their bactericidal effect

► Site directed mutants in the active site region of hsPLA2GIIA retain native-like structure. ► Catalytic activity of hsPLA2GIIA is drastically reduced in the active site mutants. ► Bactericidal and catalytic activities of hsPLA2GIIA are not correlated. ► Liposome membrane disruption of hsPLA2GIIA and mutants is Ca2+-independent. ► Bactericidal activities of hsPLA2GIIA has a Ca2+-independent component.