Melittin TFA is a PLA2 activator, stimulates the activity of the low molecular weight PLA2, while it does not the increase activity of the high molecular weight PLA2[1][2].

Melittin, an immunologically related PLA2 stimulating peptide from bee venom, increases the activity of the high molecular weight enzyme[1]. Melittin is a cytotoxic peptide from bee venom. Melittin exhibits toxicity against both A2780CR and A2780 cells, with IC50 values of 4.5 and 6.8 μg/mL, respectively. Melittin has natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to have diverse anticancer effects in several different cancer cell lines including those of gastric, breast, ovarian, liver, prostate, cervical, and lung origins. The mechanisms by which Melittin, an amphipathic haemolytic peptide, exerts its potential anticancer effects include inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and direct necrosis. Melittin can also prevent EGF-induced cell invasion through its inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, but this is primarily related to breast cancer cells[2].

[1]. Steiner MR, et al. Responses of purified phospholipases A2 to phospholipase A2 activating protein (PLAP) and Melittin. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1993 Feb 10;1166(1):124-30. [2]. Alonezi S, et al. Metabolomic Profiling of the Effects of Melittin on Cisplatin Resistant and Cisplatin Sensitive Ovarian Cancer Cells Using Mass Spectrometry and Biolog Microarray Technology. Metabolites. 2016 Oct 13;6(4). pii: E35.