Autophagy in Viral Development and Progression of Cancer

Autophagy is a complex degradative process by which eukaryotic cells capture cytoplasmic components for subsequent degradation through lysosomal hydrolases. Although this catabolic process can be triggered by a great variety of stimuli, action in cells varies according to cellular context. Autophagy has been previously linked to disease development modulation, including cancer. Autophagy helps suppress cancer cell advancement in tumor transformation early stages, while promoting proliferation and metastasis in advanced settings. Oncoviruses are a particular type of virus that directly contribute to cell transformation and tumor development. Extensive molecular studies have revealed complex ways in which autophagy can suppress or improve oncovirus fitness while still regulating viral replication and determining host cell fate. This review includes recent advances in autophagic cellular function and emphasizes its antagonistic role in cancer cells.

Automated summary

Autophagy is a complex degradative process in which eukaryotic cells capture cytoplasmic components for degradation through lysosomal hydrolases. It has been linked to disease development modulation, including cancer, with a dual role of suppressing cancer cell advancement in early stages and promoting proliferation and metastasis in advanced settings. Autophagy plays a crucial role in regulating oncovirus fitness and determining host cell fate.