STING

The presence of cytosolic DNA (which can result from viral or bacterial infection) is detected by cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (cGAS). Their binding activates cGAS, generating the cyclic dinucleotide cGAMP; this in turn causes Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) to activate a signaling cascade resulting in interferon release and autophagy and lysosome-dependent cell death. The presence of endogenous DNA (e.g. from cellular stress) can also activate the pathway, leading to inflammation and autoimmune attack.