Research advances in stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists for cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract

In the field of cancer immunotherapy, the cGAS-stimulator of interferon genes pathway has emerged as a novel target for antitumor immune strategies, making stimulator of interferon genes agonists a research hotspot. Various types of stimulator of interferon genes agonists have been studied and have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies. This review summarizes the research progress of stimulator of interferon genes agonists in cancer immunotherapy. The primary categories and components of stimulator of interferon genes agonists are first introduced, with a focus on the clinical and preclinical studies of CDN-based agonists, non-CDN-based agonists, metal-based agonists, and indirect agonists. The reasons for the limited efficacy of stimulator of interferon genes agonists when used as monotherapy are analyzed, and the direction of combination therapy research is summarized. In particular, the mechanisms, impact on the immune microenvironment, and optimization strategies for combining stimulator of interferon genes agonists with immune checkpoint blockade therapy are thoroughly discussed. The review examines the progress in stimulator of interferon genes agonists for cancer immunotherapy. Activation of the cGAS-stimulator of interferon genes pathway is critical for antitumor immunity. Various stimulator of interferon genes agonists have shown great potential in preclinical and clinical studies. However, monotherapy with classic stimulator of interferon genes agonists has limitations. Combination therapies of stimulator of interferon genes agonists, particularly with immune checkpoint blockade therapy, are expected to significantly enhance the therapeutic effect. Stimulator of interferon genes agonists have broad prospects in cancer therapy, but their monotherapy is somewhat restricted. Combination therapies of stimulator of interferon genes agonists, particularly with immune checkpoint blockade therapy, are expected to further enhance the efficacy of stimulator of interferon genes agonists in cancer treatment and enable them to play a more important role.