STING agonists induce robust cytokine secretion and rapid monocyte cell death in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Abstract

The cyclic-GMP-AMP synthase - stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway plays a central role in recognition of the double-stranded DNA in cytoplasm, a sign of cell damage or infection. Upon activation, the pathway triggers production of interferons and proinflammatory cytokines by immune cells. These immune mediators further modulate regulatory immune processes with antitumoral and antiviral properties. Therefore, activators of the cGAS-STING pathway are being investigated for their therapeutic potential.