cGAS-STING信号通路在肿瘤治疗中的作用与应用前景

肿瘤免疫疗法通过调节先天免疫和适应性免疫系统来对抗肿瘤。环鸟苷酸-腺苷合成酶(cGAS)是外源性和内源性DNA先天免疫应答的关键调节因子。cGAS识别胞质DNA后,产生第二信使cGAMP,随后与激活干扰素调节因子3接头蛋白STING(也被称为MITA、MPYS和ERIS)结合诱导产生Ⅰ型干扰素和炎性细胞因子来介导抗先天免疫。最近的研究阐释了该通路能被来自肿瘤自身的DNA和基因组不稳定性副产物激活并影响肿瘤发生发展,在天然抗肿瘤免疫及免疫检查点阻滞治疗中起关键作用。本综述概述了在肿瘤中对cGAS-STING信号通路的认识,强调了其在肿瘤免疫和放疗中的重要作用,以及针对该通路的潜在靶向或替代治疗方法。

The role and application prospect of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in tumor treatment

Novel cancer immunotherapy can treat tumors through regulating innate immunity and adaptive immune system. cGMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a key regulator of innate immune response to both exogenous and endogenous DNA. After recognizing the cytoplasmic DNA, cGAS produces the second messenger cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which subsequently combines with the adaptor STING (also known as MITA, MPYS and ERIS) to mediate innate immunity by inducing the production of type I interferons and inflammatory cytokines. Recent studies have revealed that the cGAS/STING signaling pathway can be activated by tumor-derived DNA and by-products of genomic instability and affect the incidence and development of tumors, which plays a critical role in the natural antitumor immunity across cancer types and immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In this article, current understanding of cGAS/STING signaling pathway in tumors was summarized,the pivotal role in tumor immunity and radiotherapy was highlighted, and the potential targeted or alternative therapy of this signaling pathway was reviewed.