Fig. 1
From: Comprehensive elaboration of the cGAS-STING signaling axis in cancer development and immunotherapy
The cGAS-STING DNA sensing signaling pathway. Various DNA derived from virus, dying tumor cells or nucleus and mitochondria binds to and activates the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS, cGAS catalyzes the synthesis of 2′3′-cGAMP in the presence of ATP and GTP, then 2′3′-cGAMP binds to the ER adaptor STING, which also can be activated by CDNs derived from bacteria. Upon activation, STING translocates from ER to Golgi compartments, where it activates TBK1 and IKK, which phosphorylate IRF3 and IκBα respectively. Then IRF3 and IκBα dimerize and enter nucleus, initiating the transcription of Type I IFN, TNF and IL6. The primary roles of these cytokines are reflected in host defense, inflammation and antitumor immunity