Regulatory Mechanisms of Autophagy-Targeted Antimicrobial Therapeutics Against Mycobacterial Infection

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an intracellular pathogen causing human tuberculosis, an infectious disease that still remains as a global health problem. Autophagy, a lysosomal degradative process, has emerged as a critical pathway to restrict intracellular Mtb growth through enhancement of phagosomal maturation. Indeed, several autophagy-modulating agents show promise as host-directed therapeutics for Mtb infection. In this Review, we discuss recent progress in our understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of autophagy-modulating agents to overcome the immune escape strategies mediated by Mtb. The factors and pathways that govern such mechanisms include adenosine 5 '-monophosphate-activated protein kinase, Akt/mammalian TOR kinase, Wnt signaling, transcription factor EB, cathelicidins, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy-related genes. A further understanding of these mechanisms will facilitate the development of host-directed therapies against tuberculosis as well as infections with other intracellular bacteria targeted by autophagic degradation.

Automated summary

This review discusses the role of autophagy in restricting the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the potential of autophagy-modulating agents as host-directed therapeutics. Molecular mechanisms involved include various signaling pathways and factors, and a further understanding of these mechanisms will aid in the development of host-directed therapies against tuberculosis and other intracellular bacterial infections targeted by autophagic degradation.