Agonists Targeting the cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway and Their Applications in Cancer Therapy
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) serves as a pivotal component of the immune system, playing a crucial role in regulating the innate immune response elicited by both exogenous and endogenous DNA. This enzyme recognizes the aberrant presence of DNA in the cytoplasm, subsequently activating the signaling pathway mediated by the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and thereby fulfilling a critical role in immune response mechanisms. This review delineates the mechanisms of the cGAS-STING pathway and elucidates the small-molecule agonists targeting STING, along with their combined applications in various tumor treatment strategies. The aim of this review is to provide a valuable reference framework and insights for ongoing research in related fields.
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