Thus, in contrast to anti-pathogenic properties of autophagic processes, Atg5 also has the capacity to promote RNA virus replication by inhibiting innate anti-virus immune responses, a rather paradoxical role for Atg5. These non-canonical roles for Atg5 in regulation of apoptosis and IFN production could have significance in asthma pathology in relation to immune responses to viral infections. The gene discussed is ATG5; the disease is asthma.