A Metaphorical Illustration of ATG5-Mediated Autophagy in Lung Epithelial Defense Against Pseudomonas Infection (IMAGE)
Caption
This illustration visualizes the protective role of autophagy in alveolar epithelial cells during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. A traditional Chinese alchemical furnace represents the alveolar epithelial cell, where a steady blue flame—symbolizing intact ATG5-dependent autophagy—maintains cellular stability. The golden elixir inside the furnace stands for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), safely sequestered under normal conditions. Upon bacterial invasion—visualized by green rod-shaped P. aeruginosa—the furnace becomes damaged: its structure cracks, burns red, and the golden elixir leaks out. This symbolizes impaired autophagy, which leads pyroptotic rupture and uncontrolled release of mtDNA, thereby amplifying downstream inflammatory injury.
Credit
Dr. Guoping Li and Dr. Min Wu
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