Lysosomal pathway

The *lysosomal pathway* refers broadly to the set of cellular processes involving lysosomes—membrane-bound organelles that function as the digestive system of eukaryotic cells. Lysosomes degrade material taken up from outside via endocytosis and phagocytosis as well as obsolete intracellular components through autophagy. They contain over 50 types of acid hydrolase enzymes active in an acidic environment maintained by proton pumps in their membranes. The breakdown products are recycled for biosynthesis and energy production. The proper functioning of this system is essential for cellular homeostasis, immune defense via antigen processing/presentation, metabolic regulation through nutrient sensing and mTOR signaling integration, and programmed cell death when necessary[1][2][4][5]. Dysfunction in any part can contribute to diseases including neurodegeneration, cancer progression/resistance mechanisms,[8] autoimmune conditions,[6] and infectious diseases. **Note:** "Lysosomal pathway" is not a canonical name for a single molecule/receptor but rather describes an interconnected network/process involving many molecules—primarily enzymes like cathepsins; transporters like V-type ATPases; channels such as TRPMLs; membrane proteins like LAMPs; regulatory complexes including mTORC1—and thus does **not** fit standard definitions for therapeutic targets such as receptors or enzymes themselves. For structured data purposes it should be flagged as incorrect if used where a discrete molecular entity is required.

Other names

Lysosome pathwayLysosomal degradation pathwayAutophagy-lysosomal pathway