During the first 5 years of this proposal, we have been able to define a central role for mTOR in regulating T cell activation, differentiation and function. Our studies have led to the development of a novel paradigm whereby mTOR integrates signals from the immune microenvironment to regulate the outcome of TCR recognition. Selective deletion of mTOR in T cells prevents the generation of Th1, Th2, Th17 effector T cells under normally activating conditions. In contrast, our studies reveal that the default outcome for antigen recognition in the absence of mTOR activity is to that of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. mTOR signals via two complexes: mTOR Complex I (mTORC1) which is activated by the small GTPase Rheb and contains the adaptor protein Raptor and mTORC2 which contains the adaptor Rictor. We selectively deleted mTORC1 activity by creating Rheb-/- T cells. Such cells failed to differentiate into Th1 and Th17 cells but readily become Th2 cells. Alternatively, Rictor-/- T cells readily differentiate into Th1 and Th17 cells but fail to become T2 cells. Additionally, we have been able to show that the AGC kinase Serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) is a downstream target of mTORC2 that reciprocally enhances Th2 differentiation will inhibiting Th1 differentiation. In parallel, our studies have revealed that mTORC1 is necessary for CD8+ effector T cell generation and function, while the inhibition of mTORC2 selectively enhances the generation of CD8+ memory T cells. In this proposal we seek to further understand the mechanisms by which mTOR regulates the outcome of TCR engagement:
In Aim 1 We will define the mechanisms by which mTORC1 and mTORC2 coordinate metabolism and T cell differentiation and function. Specifically we will define distinct metabolic programs from Th1 and Th2 cells. In doing so we will reveal novel metabolic functions for GATA-3 as well as a novel role for regulating T cell function for the ribonucleoprotein YB-1.
In Aim 2 we will demonstrate a role for SGK1 in regulating CD8+ memory T cell development through the selective phosphorylation of Foxo1.
In Aim 3 We will test the hypothesis that TCR-induced influx of leucine leads to the recruitment of mTOR to the endosome by the Ragulator complex. Furthermore, we will test the hypothesis that the asymmetric partitioning of these signaling components can promote the generation of 2 daughter cells with distinct phenotypic and metabolic properties. Overall, by studying the molecules downstream of mTOR signaling we hope to identify novel targets for treating autoimmune disease, preventing transplantation rejection and enhance vaccines and immunity to infectious diseases and tumors.

Public Health Relevance

During the first 5 years of this proposal, we have identified a novel and central role for mTOR in regulating T cell activation, differentiation and function. In this proposal, we seek to further understand the mechanisms by which mTOR regulates the outcome of TCR engagement. Overall, by studying the molecules downstream of mTOR signaling, we hope to identify novel targets for treating autoimmune disease, preventing transplantation rejection, and enhance vaccines and immunity to infectious diseases and tumors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01AI077610-06A1
Application #
8972421
Study Section
Transplantation, Tolerance, and Tumor Immunology (TTT)
Program Officer
Ramachandra, Lakshmi
Project Start
2008-03-31
Project End
2020-05-31
Budget Start
2015-06-01
Budget End
2016-05-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21205
Sun, Im-Hong; Oh, Min-Hee; Zhao, Liang et al. (2018) mTOR Complex 1 Signaling Regulates the Generation and Function of Central and Effector Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells. J Immunol 201:481-492
Oh, Min-Hee; Collins, Samuel L; Sun, Im-Hong et al. (2017) mTORC2 Signaling Selectively Regulates the Generation and Function of Tissue-Resident Peritoneal Macrophages. Cell Rep 20:2439-2454
Patel, Chirag H; Powell, Jonathan D (2017) Targeting T cell metabolism to regulate T cell activation, differentiation and function in disease. Curr Opin Immunol 46:82-88
Chornoguz, Olesya; Hagan, Robert S; Haile, Azeb et al. (2017) mTORC1 Promotes T-bet Phosphorylation To Regulate Th1 Differentiation. J Immunol 198:3939-3948
Bettencourt, Ian A; Powell, Jonathan D (2017) Targeting Metabolism as a Novel Therapeutic Approach to Autoimmunity, Inflammation, and Transplantation. J Immunol 198:999-1005
Cheng, Chih-Hsien; Lee, Chen-Fang; Fryer, Madeline et al. (2017) Murine Full-thickness Skin Transplantation. J Vis Exp :
Sadtler, Kaitlyn; Estrellas, Kenneth; Allen, Brian W et al. (2016) Developing a pro-regenerative biomaterial scaffold microenvironment requires T helper 2 cells. Science 352:366-70
Pollizzi, Kristen N; Sun, Im-Hong; Patel, Chirag H et al. (2016) Asymmetric inheritance of mTORC1 kinase activity during division dictates CD8(+) T cell differentiation. Nat Immunol 17:704-11
Leone, Robert D; Lo, Ying-Chun; Powell, Jonathan D (2015) A2aR antagonists: Next generation checkpoint blockade for cancer immunotherapy. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 13:265-72
Delgoffe, Greg M; Powell, Jonathan D (2015) Sugar, fat, and protein: new insights into what T cells crave. Curr Opin Immunol 33:49-54

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