Autophagy: Cancer, Other Pathologies, Inflammation, Immunity, Infection, and Aging

Volume 6 provides coverage of the mechanisms of regulation of autophagy; intracellular pathogen use of the autophagy mechanism; the role of autophagy in host immunity; and selective autophagy. Attention is given to a number of mechanistic advances in the understanding of regulation, particularly the importance of nutrient availability; microRNAs; and cross-talk with other protein degradation pathways. Intracellular pathogen repurposing of autophagy for pathogenic benefit is also provided, with coverage of Herpesvirus protein modulation of autophagy; the varicella-zoster virus and the maintenance of homeostasis; and the relationship between autophagy and the hepatitis b virus. The significance of autophagy in host defense is elucidated, providing a specific focus on facilitation of antigen presentation; participation in thymic development; and the sharing of regulatory nodes with innate immunity. Selective autophagy for the degradation of mitochondria and endocytosed gap junctions are also explored. This book is an asset to newcomers as a concise overview of the regulation of autophagy, its role in host defense and immunity, and selective autophagy, while serving as an excellent reference for more experienced scientists and clinicians looking to update their knowledge. Volumes in the SeriesVolume 1: Molecular Mechanisms. Elucidates autophagy's association with numerous biological processes, including cellular development and differentiation, cancer, immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. Volume 2: Role in General Diseases. Describes the various aspects of the complex process of autophagy in a myriad of devastating human diseases, expanding from a discussion of essential autophagic functions into the role of autophagy in proteins,pathogens, immunity, and general diseases. Volume