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.

Cells
|February 25, 2022
PubMed

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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