The critical role of mitophagy in cell senescence-mediated pulmonary fibrosis and potential therapeutic strategies.

Abstract

Pulmonary fibrosis is often associated with aging, marked notably by the senescence of lung epithelial cells and the development of interstitial fibrosis. Mitophagy plays a crucial role in aging by degrading damaged mitochondria, thereby maintaining mitochondrial quality and cellular homeostasis. When mitophagy is disrupted or impaired, damaged mitochondria fail to be properly degraded by lysosomes. This results in the persistence of dysfunctional mitochondria, which can further damage cells, induce cell senescence and trigger inflammatory responses. These processes can worsen pulmonary fibrosis. Restoring proper mitophagy could be a promising strategy for managing pulmonary fibrosis and countering stress-induced premature cell senescence, potentially improving or even reversing lung function in aging lungs. This review will explore the complex relationship between cell senescence and pulmonary fibrosis, detailing the senescence characteristics in fibrotic lungs. It will also highlight recent advancements in understanding how mitophagy influences lung senescence and fibrosis and discuss potential therapeutic strategies to address mitophagy dysfunction in treating pulmonary fibrosis.