BCL2L13 (BCL2 like 13) is a mitochondrial protein that functions as a mitochondrial cargo receptor (MCR) in the selective autophagy pathway known as mitophagy 1. The protein localizes to mitochondria and promotes the removal of dysfunctional or excess mitochondria by targeting them to autophagosomes through interactions with members of the LC3/GABARAP family 1. BCL2L13 is involved in organelle-specific autophagy mechanisms that maintain cellular homeostasis by eliminating damaged organelles 2. The protein plays a role in mitophagy regulation across various physiological and pathological contexts, including immune responses and viral infections 34. BCL2L13-mediated mitophagy is particularly relevant in inflammatory diseases, where it helps maintain organelle quality control 2. The evolutionary origin of BCL2L13 and other mitophagy receptors appears to be linked to mitochondrial membrane dynamics that developed during the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria 5. In pathological contexts, BCL2L13 and the mitophagy pathway can be exploited by pathogens such as viruses and bacteria to enhance their survival and evade host immune responses 67. Understanding BCL2L13 function is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial quality control in various diseases.