Autophagy and the Immune Response

Abstract

Innate immunity and adaptive immunity play critical roles in maintaining normal physiological functions and the development of diseases. In innate immune responses, heterogeneous autophagy can directly remove intracellular pathogens while activating PRRs, including TLRs and NLRs, to trigger their signal transduction pathways and promote NKT cell activation, cytokine secretion, and phagocytosis. In adaptive immune responses, the autophagy reaction has an important effect on the homeostasis, function, and differentiation of T lymphocytes, the survival, and development of B lymphocytes and the survival of plasma cells. This review highlights the key role that autophagy plays in the innate immune system and the acquired immune system. Further clarifying the mechanism by which autophagy regulates the immune system is essential for elucidating the precise mechanisms of various diseases and for developing new treatment methods.

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Prevents Mortality from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome through the Induction of Apoptosis in Immune Cells, Leading to Cytokine Storm Suppression

“…Inasmuch as autophagy is a process of the removal of damaged organelles and misfolded or aggregated proteins, it plays a critical role in preventing inflammatory diseases [ 49 ]. Specifically, it has been demonstrated that naive T cells exiting from the thymus depend on autophagy-related mitochondrial content reduction [ 50 ]. Furthermore, the loss of ATG5 in T cells was shown to result in an inflammatory response and a loss of tolerance [ 50 ].…”

“…Specifically, it has been demonstrated that naive T cells exiting from the thymus depend on autophagy-related mitochondrial content reduction [ 50 ]. Furthermore, the loss of ATG5 in T cells was shown to result in an inflammatory response and a loss of tolerance [ 50 ]. Indeed, the reduction in the expression of Atg genes observed in the SEB+Veh group may be a factor in the induction of inflammatory response.…”

Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation and Autophagy in Psoriasis-Related Inflammation

“…In the innate immune response, autophagy not only contributes to the clearance of pathogens, but also participates in protection against toxins, and impacts cytokine production. In terms of the adaptive immunity, autophagy plays crucial roles in T cell maturation and differentiation, as well as antigen presentation [23]. However, the relationship between AhR and autophagy in the skin has not yet been elucidated.…”

Autophagy Takes Center Stage as a Possible Cancer Hallmark

“…For example, natural secretion of IL-17 and IL-22 by γδ T cells can be regulated by IL-1-dependent autophagy activation (123). Moreover, in antigen donor cells, upon severe stress exposure (which might be prolonged in time), cell death will take place, causing autophagy-mediated antigen release and stimulation of immune and inflammatory responses (124).…”

“…Several studies indicate that a piece of active autophagic machinery produces tumor-specific antigens in tumor cells which, after their release due to antigen donor cells, boost antitumor effects by enhancing antigen presentation and subsequent T cell activation (120). Autophagy induces liberation of more ATPs as a required signal to stimulate recruitment of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and tumor sensitivity to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (124). Also, inhibition of autophagy by targeted drugs or genetic deficiencies in autophagyrelated genes such as ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, Beclin-1, and VPS34 reduces ATP release and hinders the recruitment of required immune cells from boosting antitumor immune responses (125).…”