Macrophages and autophagy: partners in crime

Macrophages and autophagy are intricately linked, both playing vital roles in maintaining homeostasis and responding to disease. Macrophages, known for their ‘eating’ function, rely on a sophisticated digestion system to process a variety of targets, from apoptotic cells to pathogens. The con- nection between macrophages and autophagy is established early in their development, influencing both differentiation and mature functions. Autop- hagy regulates essential immune functions, such as inflammation control, pathogen clearance, and antigen presentation, linking innate and adaptive immunity. Moreover, it modulates cytokine production, ensuring a bal- anced inflammatory response that prevents excessive tissue damage. Autop- hagy also plays a critical role in macrophage polarization, influencing their shift between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory states. This review explores the role of autophagy in macrophages, emphasizing its impact across various tissues and pathological conditions, and detailing the cellu- lar and molecular mechanisms by which autophagy shapes macrophage function.