The role of cGAS-STING in remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment induced by radiotherapy

Abstract

The activation of the cGAS-STING pathway occurs when tumor cell DNA is damaged by ionizing radiation. Once triggered, this pathway reshapes the tumor immune microenvironment by promoting the maturation, activation, polarization, and immune-killing capacity of immune cells, as well as by inducing the release of interferons and the expression of immune-related genes. In addition, the gut microbiota and various mechanisms of programmed cell death interact with the cGAS-STING pathway, further influencing its function in remodeling the immune microenvironment after radiotherapy. Therefore, investigating the mechanisms of the cGAS-STING pathway in reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment post-radiotherapy can not only optimize the efficacy of combined radiotherapy and immunotherapy but also provide new research directions and potential targets for cancer treatment.