mTOR participates in the formation, maintenance, and function of memory CD8T cells regulated by glycometabolism.

Memory CD8T cells participate in the fight against infection and tumorigenesis as well as in autoimmune disease progression because of their efficient and rapid immune response, long-term survival, and continuous differentiation. At each stage of their formation, maintenance, and function, the cell metabolism must be adjusted to match the functional requirements of the specific stage. Notably, enhanced glycolytic metabolism can generate sufficient levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to form memory CD8T cells, countering the view that glycolysis prevents the formation of memory CD8T cells.