J Rheum Dis.  2016 Aug;23(4):202-211. 10.4078/jrd.2016.23.4.202.

Pathogenic Role of Autophagy in Rheumatic Diseases

• Choi YJ
• Yoo WH

• KMID: 2352464
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jrd.2016.23.4.202

Abstract

Autophagy is a principle catabolic process mediated by lysosomes in eukaryotic cells. This is an intracellular homeostatic mechanism crucial for degradation in acidic lysosomal compartments of waste components from the cytoplasm. Autophagy research was initially focused on its degradation mechanism, but focus is now shifting to its effects on immunity. It contributes to detection and removal of pathogens as well as regulation of inflammasomes and neutrophil extracellular traps. Moreover, it is pivotal in antigen presentation and immune cell maturation, survival and homeostasis. The importance of autophagic pathways in normal and dysregulated immunity has become increasingly recognized in the past several years. Dysregulation of the autophagic pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of several rheumatic diseases. In this review, we summarize the immunological function of autophagy in innate and adaptive immunity, and the functions of autophagy in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases.

Keyword

Autophagy; Immunity; Rheumatic diseases; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Rheumatoid arthritis

MeSH Terms

Adaptive Immunity
Antigen Presentation
Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Autophagy*
Cytoplasm
Eukaryotic Cells
Extracellular Traps
Homeostasis
Inflammasomes
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Lysosomes
Rheumatic Diseases*
Inflammasomes