Adapting the Stress Response: Viral Subversion of the mTOR Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of gene expression, translation and various metabolic processes. Multiple extracellular (growth factors) and intracellular (energy status) molecular signals as well as a variety of stressors are integrated into the mTOR pathway. Viral i...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Valerie Le Sage, Alessandro Cinti, Raquel Amorim, Andrew J. Mouland
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2016-05-01
Series:Viruses
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/8/6/152
Description
Summary:The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of gene expression, translation and various metabolic processes. Multiple extracellular (growth factors) and intracellular (energy status) molecular signals as well as a variety of stressors are integrated into the mTOR pathway. Viral infection is a significant stress that can activate, reduce or even suppress the mTOR signaling pathway. Consequently, viruses have evolved a plethora of different mechanisms to attack and co-opt the mTOR pathway in order to make the host cell a hospitable environment for replication. A more comprehensive knowledge of different viral interactions may provide fruitful targets for new antiviral drugs.
ISSN:1999-4915