inhibits the expression of autophagy-related genes through AKT-dependent inactivation of the transcription factor FOXO3a.

The intracellular parasite induces host AKT activation to prevent autophagy-mediated clearance; however, the molecular underpinnings are not fully understood. Autophagy can be negatively regulated through AKT-sensitive phosphorylation and nuclear export of the transcription factor Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a). Using a combination of pharmacological and genetic approaches, herein we investigated whether hinders host autophagy through AKT-dependent inactivation of FOXO3a.