How does the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) influence CD8 T cell differentiation?
Naive T lymphocytes maintain a quiescent resting state until they encounter antigen whereupon they undergo a switch in their metabolic program in preparation for proliferation and differentiation. This activation process involves a dramatic upregulation of protein synthesis that is essential for cell growth and the differentiation of effector function. An essential regulator of protein synthesis in T cells is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine kinase that regulates both the availability of amino acids and the process of cap-dependent translation. Recent data indicate that mTOR influences activation and cell fate determination in T cells. We discuss these findings in light of what is currently known about the function of mTOR and its targets in CD8 T cells.
Salmond
Robert J
RJ
Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Zamoyska
Rose
R
D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000494:pharmacology; D058570:TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*
D058570:TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; D020123:Sirolimus