Autophagy and cytokines

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Abstract

Autophagy is a highly conserved homoeostatic mechanism for the lysosomal degradation of cytosolic constituents, including long-lived macromolecules, organelles and intracellular pathogens. Autophagosomes are formed in response to a number of environmental stimuli, including amino acid deprivation, but also by both host- and pathogen-derived molecules, including toll-like receptor ligands and cytokines. In particular, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6 and TGF-beta have been shown to induce autophagy, while IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 are inhibitory. Moreover, autophagy can itself regulate the production and secretion of cytokines, including IL-1, IL-18, TNF-alpha, and Type I IFN. This review discusses the potentially pivotal roles of autophagy in the regulation of inflammation and the coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)140 - 144
Number of pages5
JournalCytokine
Volume56
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

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