Searching for the real function of mTOR signaling in the regulation of PD-L1 expression

Shi-Yong Sun

doi:10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100847

Searching for the real function of mTOR signaling in the regulation of PD-L1 expression

Transl Oncol. 2020 Dec;13(12):100847. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100847. Epub 2020 Aug 24.

Author

Shi-Yong Sun¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University of School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America. Electronic address: ssun@emory.edu.

Abstract

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), via forming two important complexes: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and complex 2 (mTORC2), plays an important role in the regulation of immunity in addition to exerting many other biological funcions. Beyond its regulatory effects on immune cells, the mTOR axis also regulates the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cancer cells; accordingly, inhibition of mTOR alters PD-L1 levels in different cancer cell types. However, the currently published studies on mTOR inhibition-induced PD-L1 alteration have generated conflicting results. This review will focus on summarizing current findings in this regard and discussing possible reasons for the discrepancies and their potential implications for PD-L1 modulation in cancer therapy.

Keywords: Cancer; PD-L1; Rapalogs; mTOR; mTORC1; p70S6K.

Publication types

Review