Abstract: Lipid droplets (LDs) are ubiquitous cellular organelles that perform functions mostly dedicated to energy homeostasis and lipid metabolism. As neutral lipid depots (triacylglycerol, sterol esters), they can be rapidly mobilized through lipase-mediated hydrolysis (lipolysis) or via lipophagy, a specific form of autophagy devoted to consumption of LDs inside the lysosome. These processes usually reflect adaptation to changes in nutrient availability and membrane buildup during active growth. LDs also contribute to buffering of unsaturated fatty acids, and prevent cellular accumulation of oxidized and peroxidized lipids, thereby providing immediate protection against lipotoxicity and oxidative stress.