Keeping the immune system in check: a role for mitophagy. Issue 1 (30th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lazarou, Michael
• Is Part Of: Immunology and cell biology. Volume 93:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2014-09-30
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1038/icb.2014.75
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0818-9641

Abstract

Abstract : Mitochondria play a central role in many facets of cellular function including energy production, control of cell death and immune signaling. Breakdown of any of these pathways because of mitochondrial deficits or excessive reactive oxygen species production has detrimental consequences for immune system function and cell viability. Maintaining the functional integrity of mitochondria is therefore a critical challenge for the cell. Surveillance systems that monitor mitochondrial status enable the cell to identify and either repair or eliminate dysfunctional mitochondria. Mitophagy is a selective form of autophagy that eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria from the population to maintain overall mitochondrial health. This review covers the major players involved in mitophagy and explores the role mitophagy plays to support the immune system. Abstract : The January 2015 issue contains a Special Feature on Autophagy and Immunity. Autophagy is an essential process to maintain cellular homeostasis and functions. It is responsible for the lysosome‐mediated degradation of damaged proteins and organelles, and dysregulation of this pathway contributes to the development of a variety of diseases in man, including: diabetes, neurodegeneration and cancer. Recent studies have illuminated the importance of the regulatory pathways that control autophagy and the wide range of physiological processes it regulates in humans. Immunology and Cell Biology thanks the coordinators of this Special Feature ‐ Jim Harris and Justine Mintern ‐ for their planning and input. Further background information on this important topic is available through the accompanying web focus which links to related articles from across Nature Publishing Group.