Nonimmunosuppressive effects of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) integrates nutrient and hormonal signals involved in cell growth. Development of mTOR inhibitor drugs as therapeutic agents for major human diseases such as obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, or cancer will experience an important increase in the next years. The incidence of these diseases is particularly increased among organ transplant recipients being a limiting factor for transplant success. Transplant teams carry on significant experience in treating patients with mTOR inhibitors for preventing acute rejection or reducing nephrotoxicity. Preliminary data showed that these drugs are effective for reducing posttransplant malignancy. Transplant teams have the unique opportunity to analyze whether mTOR inhibitors are also effective for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes.