The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: A potential pharmacological target in COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a serious threat to global health. The disregulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) cell signaling pathway observed in patients with COVID-19 has attracted attention for the possible use of specific inhibitors of this pathway for the treatment of the disease. Here, we review emerging data on the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the clinical studies investigating its tailored inhibition in COVID-19. Current in silico, in vitro, and in vivo data convergently support a role for the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in COVID-19 and suggest the use of specific inhibitors of this pathway that, by a combined mechanism entailing downregulation of excessive inflammatory reactions, cell protection, and antiviral effects, could ameliorate the course of COVID-19.