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Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Visualizing Mitophagy with Fluorescent Dyes for Mitochondria and Lysosome
Published on: November 30, 2022
The Role of Mitophagy in Viral Infection
Yuwan Li1,2, Keke Wu1,3, Sen Zeng1,2
1College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, No. 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510642, China.
Abstract:
Mitophagy, which is able to selectively clear excess or damaged mitochondria, plays a vital role in the quality control of mitochondria and the maintenance of normal mitochondrial functions in eukaryotic cells. Mitophagy is involved in many physiological and pathological processes, including apoptosis, innate immunity, inflammation, cell differentiation, signal transduction, and metabolism. Viral infections cause physical dysfunction and thus pose a significant threat to public health. An accumulating body of evidence reveals that some viruses hijack mitophagy to enable immune escape and self-replication. In this review, we systematically summarize the pathway of mitophagy initiation and discuss the functions and mechanisms of mitophagy in infection with classical swine fever virus and other specific viruses, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of related diseases.
Insights
Mitophagy, the process of clearing damaged mitochondria, is exploited by viruses for immune evasion and replication. Understanding this mechanism is key to controlling viral diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Mitophagy is crucial for mitochondrial quality control and cellular function.
- It plays roles in various physiological and pathological processes.
- Viral infections threaten public health, and some viruses manipulate cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mitophagy initiation pathways.
- To discuss mitophagy's role in viral infections, including classical swine fever virus.
- To provide a theoretical basis for disease prevention and control.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of mitophagy initiation pathways.
- Discussion of viral hijacking of mitophagy.
Main Results:
- Viruses can hijack mitophagy for immune escape and replication.
- Mitophagy mechanisms vary across different viral infections.
- Classical swine fever virus interactions with mitophagy are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Mitophagy is a critical cellular process targeted by viruses.
- Understanding viral manipulation of mitophagy is essential for developing antiviral strategies.
- This review offers insights for managing viral diseases.
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