Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
11:28
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
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Viral-host interactions mediated by the mTOR signaling pathway
Zizhen Ming1,2, Bing Su1,2,3,4, Qiming Liang1,2
1Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
Cell Insight
|April 17, 2026
Summary
Viruses hijack the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway to fuel replication by manipulating host metabolism and autophagy. Targeting mTOR offers a promising antiviral strategy by disrupting these virus-host interactions.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key kinase regulating cellular processes like metabolism and survival.
- Viruses depend on host cell machinery, making the mTOR pathway crucial for viral propagation.
- mTOR exists in two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, integrating cellular signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how viruses manipulate mTOR signaling for replication.
- To explore mTOR's role in antiviral immunity.
- To discuss mTOR-targeted antiviral strategies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on mTOR signaling and viral interactions.
- Analysis of viral strategies to modulate mTORC1 and mTORC2.
- Examination of preclinical and clinical data on mTOR inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Viruses activate host metabolism and inhibit autophagy via mTOR to support replication.
- Viruses dynamically tune mTORC1 and mTORC2 activity for different replication stages.
- mTOR plays a significant role in antiviral immune responses.
Conclusions:
- mTOR is a critical regulator of virus-host interactions, essential for viral life cycles.
- Targeting mTOR presents a viable strategy for developing novel antiviral therapies.
- Understanding mTOR modulation provides a framework for antiviral intervention development.
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