An Oscillatory Switch in mTOR Kinase Activity Sets Regulatory T Cell Responsiveness

SummaryThere is a discrepancy between the in vitro anergic state of CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and their in vivo proliferative capability. The underlying mechanism of this paradox is unknown. Here we show that the anergic state of Treg cells depends on the elevated activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway induced by leptin: a transient inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin, before T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, made Treg cells highly proliferative in the absence of exogenous interleukin-2 (IL-2). This was a dynamic and oscillatory phenomenon characterized by an early downregulation of the leptin-mTOR pathway followed by an increase in mTOR activation necessary for Treg cell expansion to occur. These data suggest that energy metabolism, through the leptin-mTOR-axis, sets responsiveness of Treg cells that use this information to control immune tolerance and autoimmunity.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (183 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Hyporesponsiveness of Treg cells depends on high metabolic rate
► High metabolic rate of Treg cells is due to overexpression of the mTOR pathway
► Leptin activates the mTOR pathway in Treg cells
► Metabolism through leptin-mTOR sets responsiveness of Treg cells