Autophagy is an essential process in which cells remove their "junk" components - such as damaged proteins, malfunctioning organelles, or harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, which would otherwise interfere with proper cellular functioning. This autophagic housekeeping maintains cell functionality and allows them to recover from stress or nutrient depletion.

https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/autophagy-how-bodys-natural-anti-aging-mechanism-improves-health-article-151111024