Role of autophagy during plant-virus interactions.

Autophagy is an essential and conserved cellular degradation pathway in eukaryotes. In metazoans, autophagy is highly engaged during the immune responses through interfacing either directly with intracellular pathogens or indirectly with immune signaling molecules. Recent studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays important roles in regulating immunity-related cell death, antiviral and promoting viral pathogenesis during plant-virus interactions. In this review, we will summarize latest progresses and discuss the significant roles of autophagy in the defense and counter-defense arm race between host plants and viruses.