Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 31, 2025

In Vivo Assessment of Alveolar Macrophage Efferocytosis Following Ozone Exposure
Published on: October 22, 2019
The Multifaceted Roles of Autophagy in Infectious, Obstructive, and Malignant Airway Diseases
Marianna Carinci1, Laura Palumbo1, Giulia Pellielo1
1Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
Abstract:
Autophagy is a highly conserved dynamic process by which cells deliver their contents to lysosomes for degradation, thus ensuring cell homeostasis. In response to environmental stress, the induction of autophagy is crucial for cell survival. The dysregulation of this degradative process has been implicated in a wide range of pathologies, including lung diseases, representing a relevant potential target with significant clinical outcomes. During lung disease progression and infections, autophagy may exert both protective and harmful effects on cells. In this review, we will explore the implications of autophagy and its selective forms in several lung infections, such as SARS-CoV-2, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infections, and different lung diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Malignant Mesothelioma (MM).
Related Concept Videos
Autophagy
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...

