Autophagy is a lysosome-associated, degradative process that catabolizes 
cytosolic components to recycle nutrients for further use and maintain cell 
homeostasis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, 
which often leads to end-stage liver-associated diseases and is a significant 
burden on worldwide public health. Emerging lines of evidence indicate that 
autophagy plays an important role in promoting the HCV life cycle in host cells. 
Moreover, the diverse impacts of autophagy on a variety of signaling pathways in 
HCV-infected cells suggest that the autophagic process is required for balancing 
HCV-host cell interactions and involved in the pathogenesis of HCV-related liver 
diseases. However, the detailed molecular mechanism underlying how HCV activates 
autophagy to benefit viral growth is still enigmatic. Additionally, how the 
autophagic response contributes to disease progression in HCV-infected cells 
remains largely unknown. Hence, in this review, we overview the interplay 
between autophagy and the HCV life cycle and propose possible mechanisms by 
which autophagy may promote the pathogenesis of HCV-associated chronic liver 
diseases. Moreover, we outline the related studies on how autophagy interplays 
with HCV replication and discuss the possible implications of autophagy and 
viral replication in the progression of HCV-induced liver diseases, e.g., 
steatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, we explore the potential 
therapeutics that target autophagy to cure HCV infection and its related liver 
diseases.