Title:cGAS-STING-mediated IFN-I Response in Host Defense and Neuroinflammatory
Diseases
Volume: 20
Issue: 2
Author(s): Kai Chen, Chuan Lai, Ying Su, Wen Dai Bao, Liu Nan Yang, Ping-Ping Xu*Ling-Qiang Zhu*
Affiliation:
- Endoscopy Center,
Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, P.R China,
430015
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine,
Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PRC
Keywords:
cGAS, STING, neuroinflammation, AD, PD, HD, ALS, MS.
Abstract: The presence of foreign or misplaced nucleic acids is a dangerous signal that triggers innate
immune responses by activating cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and
binding to its downstream signaling effector stimulator of interferon genes (STING). Then the
cGAS-STING pathway activation links nucleic acid-sensing to immune responses and pathogenic
entities clearance. However, the overactivation of this signaling pathway leads to fatal immune disorders
and contributes to the progression of many human inflammatory diseases. Therefore, optimal
activation of this pathway is crucial for the elimination of invading pathogens and the maintenance
of immune homeostasis. In this review, we will summarize its fundamental roles in initiating host
defense against invading pathogens and discuss its pathogenic roles in multiple neuro-inflammatory
diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD),
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurodegenerative diseases.