The role of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes signaling in the immune responses

Nutrients. 2013 Jun 19;5(6):2231-57. doi: 10.3390/nu5062231.

Abstract

The mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase which is a member of the PI3K related kinase (PIKK) family. mTOR emerged as a central node in cellular metabolism, cell growth, and differentiation, as well as cancer metabolism. mTOR senses the nutrients, energy, insulin, growth factors, and environmental cues and transmits signals to downstream targets to effectuate the cellular and metabolic response. Recently, mTOR was also implicated in the regulation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. This paper will summarize the current knowledge of mTOR, as related to the immune microenvironment and immune responses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity* / genetics
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate* / genetics
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Sirolimus / pharmacology
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics*
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Proteins
  • MTOR protein, human
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Sirolimus