Autophagy and Autophagy-Related Proteins in the Immunity against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

摘要

Autophagy is a cell-autonomous lysosomal degradative pathway implicated in various functions of the immune system. One of its key roles is the capture of intracellular pathogens and their delivery to lysosomes for elimination. Numerous in vitro studies have demonstrated that autophagy activation leads to killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) by infected macrophages. In this review, we summarize the functions of autophagy in MTB infection, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in its regulation by both host and pathogen factors. The recent advances in our understanding of the role of autophagy proteins in, in vivo, control of MTB are discussed as well as the potential use of autophagy-based therapy and vaccine in the fight against tuberculosis.