Understanding Exophagy: The Cellular Process of External Particle Degradation

Exophagy is a term used in cell biology to describe the process by which cells engulf and degrade extracellular particles or organelles. The word "exophagy" comes from the Greek words "exo," meaning outside, and "phagy," meaning eating or devouring.

Exophagy is a form of autophagy, which is the process by which cells recycle and degrade their own components, such as damaged organelles or proteins, to maintain cellular homeostasis and survival. However, exophagy specifically involves the degradation of extracellular particles or organelles, rather than intracellular components.

Exophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue health and preventing disease. For example, it helps to remove pathogens and dead cells from the body, and it can also help to regulate the immune response. Dysregulation of exophagy has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.