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Updated: May 1, 2026
11:53
Ultrastructural Localization of Endogenous LC3 by On-Section Correlative Light-Electron Microscopy
Published on: March 31, 2023
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LC3-Associated Phagocytosis (LAP): Connections with Host Autophagy
Shu-Chin Lai1, Rodney J Devenish2
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton campus, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia. Shu-chin.Lai@monash.edu.
Cells
|April 9, 2014
Summary
Autophagy and LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) both involve the protein LC3. However, observing LC3 puncta alone does not confirm autophagy, as it can also indicate LAP during microbial infections.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Autophagy is a cellular process for degrading internal components, crucial for host defense against pathogens.
- Microtubule-associated protein light-chain 3 (LC3) is a marker for autophagosome formation, visualized as green puncta via fluorescence microscopy.
- LC3 recruitment to phagosomes, termed LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), is a distinct process from autophagy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) from autophagy.
- To explore the relationship between LAP and host autophagic responses during microbial infections.
- To compare the mechanisms triggering LAP and autophagy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on autophagy and LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP).
- Comparative analysis of cellular mechanisms involved in LAP and autophagy.
- Examination of host-pathogen interactions involving LC3 recruitment.
Main Results:
- LC3 recruitment to single-membrane phagosomes (LAP) is distinct from double-membrane autophagosomes in autophagy.
- Observation of green puncta (LC3) is not exclusive to autophagy and can indicate LAP.
- LAP plays a role in host defense against microbial pathogens, connecting to autophagic pathways.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing LAP from autophagy is critical for accurate interpretation of LC3 localization studies.
- LAP represents a significant cellular response to microbial invasion, distinct from but related to autophagy.
- Further research into LAP mechanisms can illuminate host-pathogen interactions and immune responses.
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