Background: Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) clears triglycerides from the blood, and angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) inhibits LPL activity. Results: Inhibited LPL is in a complex with ANGPTL4, and upon dissociation LPL regains activity. Conclusion: ANGPTL4 is a reversible, noncompetitive inhibitor of LPL, not an unfolding molecular chaperone as reported previously. Significance: Understanding the mechanism of LPL inhibition supports efforts to develop new therapies for hypertriglyceridemia.