Autophagy in Autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and occur at a higher frequency in young adults and women than in men. It is increasingly recognized that the development of autoimmunity is strongly influenced by complex interactions between genetic predispositions and environmental triggers, implicating both innate and adaptive immune responses. More recently, findings from molecular, cell-based and animal studies suggest a pivotal role of autophagy in mediating a myriad of autoimmune diseases, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis and Multiple Sclerosis. These findings have opened a window into improving our knowledge of the molecular pathways implicated in autoimmunity, and how these pathways can be therapeutically targeted in the coming years. Greater discourse among different researchers is required to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. This Research Topic aims to co-ordinate a discussion on studies within the field that offer both broad and divergent insight into the role of autophagy in autoimmunity.

We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Perspective and Commentary articles that include, but are not restricted to the following topics:

1. Genetic studies focusing on autophagy with functional significance.
2. Animal models targeting autophagy of human autoimmune diseases.
3. Cell biology studies highlighting the role of autophagy in autoimmunity.
4. Interventional study showing therapeutic value of autophagy in immune-related diseases.
5. Insightful perspectives on different views on the role of autophagy in autoimmunity and future directions.