TITLE:
An Overview of STING as an Anticancer Target: Structure, Function, and Inhibitors
AUTHORS:
Yonghui Chang, Dan E, Honglue Zhang, Shuang Cao
KEYWORDS:
STING, cGAS-STING, Pathway, Tumor, Inhibitor, Targeted Therapy
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.6,
June
12,
2026
ABSTRACT: The cGAS-STING pathway serves as a critical signaling axis for cytoplasmic DNA sensing and innate immune activation. As a central adapter protein, STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) plays a pivotal role in tumor immune surveillance, inflammatory responses, and the pathogenesis of various diseases. This article reviews the molecular architecture, functional domains, and signaling mechanisms of STING, while addressing the impact of genetic polymorphisms and interspecies variations. We elucidate the dual regulatory role of STING in tumorigenesis, where moderate activation facilitates antitumor immunity, whereas chronic overactivation or inactivation paradoxically promotes tumor progression. Furthermore, we explore the link between aberrant STING signaling and immune evasion. Finally, We have classified STING inhibitors into four major categories: covalent inhibitors targeting Cys91, inhibitors that competitively bind to the CDN-binding pocket, inhibitors that block oligomerization, and inhibitors acting via other mechanisms; furthermore, we have summarized their binding sites, molecular mechanisms, representative compounds, and current research status. This review provides a comprehensive theoretical framework for advancing basic research on the STING pathway, targeted drug design, and precision medicine.