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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Microfluidic Device for Recreating a Tumor Microenvironment in Vitro
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Role of mTOR Signaling in Tumor Microenvironment: An Overview

Fabiana Conciatori1, Chiara Bazzichetto2,3, Italia Falcone4

  • 1Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy. fabiana.conciatori@ifo.gov.it.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 22, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway integrates environmental cues within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding mTOR

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences cancer progression and drug resistance.
  • Cancer cells and the TME are intricately linked, co-existing and co-evolving.
  • The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a critical regulator of cellular processes influenced by external signals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the mTOR pathway in shaping the TME.
  • To explore how mTOR signaling affects tumor immunity and angiogenesis.
  • To highlight mTOR as a potential target for novel combination cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on mTOR signaling in the context of the TME.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the interplay between mTOR, TME components, and cancer progression.
  • Synthesis of information on mTOR's impact on tumor immunity and angiogenesis.

Main Results:

  • mTOR pathway activation is associated with pro-oncogenic processes within the TME.
  • mTOR signaling modulates interactions between tumor stroma and cancer cells.
  • The pathway influences key aspects of the TME, including immune cell activity and blood vessel formation.

Conclusions:

  • The mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in characterizing the TME's composition and activity.
  • Targeting mTOR signaling holds promise for improving cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
  • Further research into mTOR-based combination therapies is warranted.
Keywords:
angiogenesisimmunotherapymTORtumor microenvironment

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