Autophagy in Viral Development and Progression of Cancer

ALEJANDRA SUARES; MEDINA VICTORIA; & OMAR A. COSO

Frontiers in Oncology

Frontiers media S.A.

Año: 2021 vol. 11

2234-943X

Autophagy is a complex degradative process by which eukaryotic cells capture cytoplasmic 14 components for subsequent degradation through lysosomal hydrolases. Although this catabolic 15 process can be triggered by a great variety of stimuli, action in cells varies according to cellular 16 context. Autophagy has been previously linked to disease development modulation, including 17 cancer. Autophagy helps suppress cancer cell advancement in tumor transformation early 18 stages, while promoting proliferation and metastasis in advanced settings. Oncoviruses are a 19 particular type of virus that directly contribute to cell transformation and tumor development. 20 Extensive molecular studies have revealed complex ways in which autophagy can suppress or 21 improve oncovirus fitness while still regulating viral replication and determining host cell fate. 22 This review includes recent advances in autophagic cellular function and emphasizes its 23 antagonistic role in cancer cells.