MTOR and COVID-19: Since we only observed an increased expression of mTORC1 signaling genes in bystander or infected cells relative to controls but not in infected versus bystander cells, we speculate that this effect could reflect a pre-existing condition of high mTOR signaling and compromised autophagy flux in severe COVID-19 patients.Besides, mTOR activation is important for immune system activation and is related to paracrine signaling [21].