We demonstrate that PGE2, a key contributing factor to stem cell therapeutic efficacy in multiple sclerosis (MS), sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and arthritis, was highly upregulated in ASCs preconditioned with either short-term Rapa or 3-MA, indicating that the immunomodulatory ffects of these compounds may, in fact, derive from mechanisms of action beyond their impact on autophagy. The gene discussed is TRERF1; the disease is multiple sclerosis.