Autophagy: mechanisms, roles in human diseases, and therapeutic perspectives

Autophagy, a conserved intracellular degradation and recycling process, maintains cellular homeostasis by eliminating damaged organelles, misfolded proteins, and invading pathogens. Dysregulation of autophagy either excessive or insufficient contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases, spanning the respiratory, locomotor, circulatory, digestive, urinary, and nervous systems, as well as cancer. This Mini Review summarizes the core mechanisms and classification of autophagy, highlights its dual roles in various pathological conditions, discusses existing controversies and research gaps, and outlines potential future directions for therapeutic targeting. A concise overview of key findings provides readers with an updated understanding of autophagy’s multifaceted functions in disease development and treatment.