mTOR signaling in the differentiation and function of regulatory and effector T cells

•A fine-tuned mTOR activity is required for proper function of T cells.•Both mTORC1 and mTORC2 contribute to Tfh cell differentiation.•Multiple upstream signaling inputs impinge upon mTOR in T cell responses.•Asymmetric distribution of mTORC1 and MYC determines CD8+ T cell fates.

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway integrates environmental signals and cellular metabolism to regulate T cell development, activation and differentiation. Recent studies reveal the importance of exquisite control of mTOR activity for proper T cell function, and detailed molecular mechanisms that regulate mTOR signaling in different T cell subsets. Here, we review the latest advances in our understanding of the mTOR pathway and its regulation in the differentiation and function of regulatory T cells and effector T cells.