The molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential of autophagy subtypes in PRRS virus infection

Abstract

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus is an RNA virus that causes reproductive failure in pregnant sows and respiratory diseases in pigs of all ages. Autophagy, a lysosome-dependent degradation process, consists of macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy, which collectively maintain cellular homeostasis and influence disease progression. Although autophagy has the potential to eliminate viruses, certain viruses can manipulate this process to enhance their own replication. This review discusses the dual role of autophagy in PRRS virus infection, elucidates mechanisms underlying PRRS pathogenesis, and proposes autophagy-targeted strategies for the development of anti-PRRS virus interventions.