Involved in virulence (PubMed:20736081). Induces cytotoxic effects on mouse macrophage cell lines, via direct or indirect enzymatic hydrolysis of cell membrane phospholipids (PubMed:20736081). Hydrolyzes phosphatidylcholine (PubMed:20736081). Does not have hemolytic activity (PubMed:20736081). a 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine + H2O = a 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol + H(+) + phosphocholine 1,2-dihexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine + H2O = 1,2-dihexadecanoyl-sn-glycerol + H(+) + phosphocholine Optimum pH is 7.5. Optimum temperature is 37 degrees Celsius. Remains associated with the cell. Polymorphism was discovered in the phospholipase plcD region. Belongs to the bacterial phospholipase C family. In strain H37Rv, PLC-D lacks the N-terminal domain. The gene is truncated and interrupted by the insertion of an IS6110 element. However, when expressed in M.smegmatis, recombinant PLC-D is detected in the cell wall fraction and shows phospholipase activity (PubMed:20736081).