STING is the pivotal mediator for the recognition of host and pathogenic cytosolic dsDNA as well as cyclic di-nucleotide metabolites from microbes. Studies demonstrated that DNA released from cancerous cells are internalized by innate immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells in tumor microenvironment and trigger the production of interferon beta and other pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 12 through STING triggered signaling pathway. Later, these cytokines increase the cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T-cells by increasing the production of interferon gamma. This review discusses the importance of the involvement of STING during the establishment of immunity against intracellular pathogens and its direct effect on T-cells.

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