MAP1LC3C (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 gamma) is a ubiquitin-like autophagy protein that functions as a selective cargo receptor in multiple autophagic pathways. As a member of the ATG8 family, MAP1LC3C recruits autophagic machinery to target substrates through binding to CALCOCO2 and other adaptor proteins 1. Its primary roles include xenophagy (antibacterial autophagy) against pathogens like S. typhimurium 1, aggrephagy (degradation of protein aggregates) 2, and participation in antiviral responses by mediating LC3C-associated pathways that internalize virus-tethered BST2/tetherin at the plasma membrane through ATG5 engagement 3. Unlike LC3A and LC3B, MAP1LC3C does not specifically participate in cardiolipin-mediated mitophagy despite strong cardiolipin binding 4. Beyond canonical autophagy, MAP1LC3C regulates lysosomal exocytosis independently of autophagic activity, controlling zinc metabolism and epigenetic reprogramming in renal cancer cells 5. Clinically, MAP1LC3C exhibits tumor-suppressive properties across multiple malignancies. Its downregulation correlates with poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma 6, while reduced expression suppresses HLA class II antigen presentation and immune infiltration, promoting immune evasion 7. Conversely, MAP1LC3C stabilization promotes ferroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer 8, suggesting therapeutic potential through selective pathway modulation.