STING-Mediated Inflammatory Pathway

The STING-mediated inflammatory pathway, also known as the cGAS–STING pathway, is a central component of the innate immune system that detects cytosolic DNA and triggers an inflammatory response primarily through the production of type I interferons (IFN-I) and other proinflammatory cytokines. Activation involves cGAS sensing cytosolic DNA, producing cGAMP, which then binds to and activates STING. Activated STING initiates downstream signaling cascades, ultimately leading to the expression of IFN-I genes and other cytokines. While crucial for antiviral defense and tumor suppression, dysregulation of the pathway can contribute to autoimmune diseases and, in some contexts, promote tumor growth.

Other names

cGAS-STING pathway