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. Here, ATG5 is linked to viral infectious disease.