The WD Domain of Atg16l1Crucial for LC3-Associated Phagocytosis Is Not Required for Preserving Skin Barrier Function in Mice

The skin is a multifunctional organ, forming a barrier between the external and internal environment, thereby functioning as a safeguard against extrinsic factors. Autophagy has been implicated in epidermal differentiation and in preserving skin homeostasis. LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) uses some but not all components of autophagy. The Atg16l1(ΔWD) mouse model lacks the WD40 domain required for LAP and has been widely used to study the effects of LAP deficiency and autophagy on tissue homeostasis and response to infection.