Fig. 1.

Akt inhibition will increase the number of CD4⁺/FoxP3⁺/CD103⁺/CTLA4⁺ effector regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) lung to suppress inflammation and promote injury resolution. In the ARDS lung, reduced Akt activity in conventional T cells will promote their differentiation to effector Tregs, limiting inflammation and scar formation, and promoting vascular regeneration and wound resolution, revealing the potential therapeutic benefits of Akt inhibitors such as triciribine and MK2206 to treat ARDS in advanced-stage coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients.