Autophagy subversion by bacteria

Abstract

Autophagy is an important cell survival process during nitrogen starvation conditions, and it also plays a housekeeping role, removing superfluous or aged organelles. Autophagy has also been linked to host cell control of several intracellular microorganisms. However, since it is an important host defense mechanism, some pathogens have also evolved strategies to exploit or subvert autophagy. Thus, certain pathogens harness autophagy, leading to persistent infection and pathogenesis. In this chapter we highlight our current understanding of those bacterial pathogens that transit through the autophagic pathway, efficiently replicating and surviving within the host cell. In addition, we discuss present knowledge of how autophagy modulation affects the infectious capacities and life cycles of several intracellular pathogens. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.