Stimulator of interferon genes (STING): Key therapeutic targets in ischemia/reperfusion injury
Juan Lv, Zhu Xuanxuan, Chunlei Xing, Yuhong Chen, Huihui Bian, Heng Yin, Xiaofeng Gu, Li Su
Abstract
The Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is predominantly expressed in immune cells, including macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and T cells, functioning as a pattern recognition receptor. STING activation upon detecting cytosolic DNA released from damaged cells initiates downstream pathways, leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IFNs, IL-6, and TNF-α. Dysregulated STING activation has been implicated in inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) is common in stroke, acute myocardial infarction, organ transplantation, and surgeries for certain end-stage diseases. Recent studies suggest that STING could be a novel therapeutic target for I/RI treatment. In this review, we provide a concise overview of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway's general functions and summarize STING's role in I/RI across various organs, including the heart, liver, kidney, and lung. Moreover, we explore potential therapeutic approaches for I/RI by targeting STING.