Serine/threonine protein kinase which forms a receptor complex on ligand binding. The receptor complex consisting of 2 type II and 2 type I transmembrane serine/threonine kinases. Type II receptors phosphorylate and activate type I receptors which autophosphorylate, then bind and activate SMAD transcriptional regulators, SMAD2 and SMAD3. Receptor for activin AB, activin B and NODAL. Plays a role in cell differentiation, growth arrest and apoptosis. ATP + L-threonyl-[receptor-protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[receptor-protein] ATP + L-seryl-[receptor-protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[receptor-protein] Binds the type 2 receptor protein ACVR2A. Expressed in interdigital regions in developing limb buds. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. TKL Ser/Thr protein kinase family. TGFB receptor subfamily.