Summary
This narrative review synthesises current understanding of autophagy's role in host defence against nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. Unlike the well-characterised autophagy responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, NTM-autophagy interactions remain poorly understood despite NTM prevalence and drug-resistance concerns. The authors argue that elucidating these mechanisms is essential for developing autophagy-targeted host-directed therapies against NTM infection.
Regional applicability
NTM infections are emerging clinical concerns globally, including in the United Kingdom, making this mechanistic review relevant to UK clinical and research practice. However, the review does not address UK-specific epidemiology, health system factors, or policy implications for NTM management.
Key measures
Molecular mechanisms of autophagy-mediated pathogen elimination; host–pathogen interactions during NTM infection; autophagy-based therapeutic targets
Outcomes reported
The paper reviewed the role of host autophagy activation in enhancing antimicrobial immune responses and controlling pathological inflammation against nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections. It examined molecular mechanisms of crosstalk between NTM pathogens and host autophagy systems, with implications for developing autophagy-based therapeutic interventions.
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