Essential antioxidant peroxidase that directly reduces phospholipid hydroperoxide even if they are incorporated in membranes and lipoproteins . Can also reduce fatty acid hydroperoxide, cholesterol hydroperoxide and thymine hydroperoxide . Plays a key role in protecting cells from oxidative damage by preventing membrane lipid peroxidation. Required to prevent cells from ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic cell death resulting from an iron-dependent accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species . The presence of selenocysteine (Sec) versus Cys at the active site is essential for life: it provides resistance to overoxidation and prevents cells against ferroptosis . The presence of Sec at the active site is also essential for the survival of a specific type of parvalbumin-positive interneurons, thereby preventing against fatal epileptic seizures . May be required to protect cells from the toxicity of ingested lipid hydroperoxides . Required for normal sperm development and male fertility. Essential for maturation and survival of photoreceptor cells. Plays a role in a primary T-cell response to viral and parasitic infection by protecting T-cells from ferroptosis and by supporting T-cell expansion.
