The STING pathway: An uncharacterized angle beneath the gut-retina axis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• The gut-retina axis describes the gut-retina interaction.
• Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway dysregulation is linked to inflammatory diseases.
• STING pathway alterations are implicated in retinal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of STING pathway alterations in gut-retina axis-related diseases.
• To investigate the link between gut dysbiosis, intestinal STING activation, and retinal pathologies.
• To discuss STING as a potential therapeutic target for these conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on the gut-retina axis, STING pathway, and related diseases.
• Analysis of mechanisms linking gut dysbiosis to intestinal and retinal inflammation.
• Synthesis of evidence on STING pathway involvement in ocular and gastrointestinal pathologies.

Main Results:

• Gut dysbiosis can lead to aberrant intestinal STING pathway activation and increased intestinal permeability.
• Microbial products translocating into the bloodstream can reach the retina, activating the STING pathway.
• Chronic STING activation in the retina contributes to disease progression in ocular conditions.

Conclusions:

• Alterations in the STING pathway are a potential mechanism connecting gut disturbances to retinal pathologies.
• Targeting the STING pathway may offer a therapeutic strategy for gut-retina axis-related diseases.
• Understanding this crosstalk is crucial for developing novel treatments.