How protein balance and immune responses interact in C. elegans

Proteostasis pathways are crucial for immune responses against pathogens in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans.

• Pathogens can disrupt host proteostasis, allowing them to survive and replicate.
• Hosts can detect disturbances in proteostasis and activate immune responses, which may further challenge proteostasis.
• The Review categorizes proteostasis pathways by cellular compartments, including the cytosol, autophagy, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria.
• Infections by various pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, are examined in C. elegans, which are relevant to human health.
• Findings suggest that impairment in one proteostasis pathway can trigger compensatory mechanisms in another, potentially enhancing host resilience.

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