Coronavirus interactions with the cellular autophagy machinery

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cell Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a significant global health threat, with SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19.
• Virus-host interactions are critical for viral replication and pathogenesis.
• Autophagy, a cellular degradation pathway, can be either beneficial or detrimental to viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize the literature on autophagy-coronavirus interactions over the past two decades.
• To understand how coronaviruses manipulate the autophagy pathway for their life cycle.
• To inform the development of therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy for COVID-19 treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies published over the last 20 years.
• Analysis of research on autophagy induction, inhibition, and non-canonical usurpation by coronaviruses.
• Examination of the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of various coronavirus infections.

Main Results:

• Many coronaviruses induce autophagy, but some inhibit its progression before degradation.
• Other coronaviruses utilize autophagy components in non-canonical ways.
• Autophagy's role varies, being detrimental or beneficial to viral replication and maturation.

Conclusions:

• Cataloging autophagy-coronavirus interactions is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis.
• Targeting autophagy pathways presents a potential therapeutic avenue for COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections.
• Further research into these complex interactions is essential for combating emerging viral threats.