STING

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an integral ER-membrane protein that can be activated by 2'3'-cGAMP synthesized by cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) upon binding of double-stranded DNA. It activates interferon (IFN) and inflammatory cytokine responses to defend against infection by microorganisms.

STING is a key cytosolic receptor for small nucleotides and plays a key role in anticancer and antiviral immunity. STING signaling pathway is also a critical link between innate and adaptive immunity, and induces anti-tumor immune responses. STING agonists, such as endogenous cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), have been used in diverse research for immunogenic tumor clearance, antiviral treatments and vaccine adjuvants.