Interplay between RNA viruses and cGAS/STING axis in innate immunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling axis is crucial for innate immunity against DNA viruses.
• Emerging evidence highlights the role of cGAS/STING in controlling RNA virus infections, particularly enveloped RNA viruses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review characterized cGAS/STING evasion strategies employed by RNA viruses.
• To summarize proposed mechanisms of STING pathway activation by RNA viruses.
• To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the cGAS/STING pathway in RNA viral infections.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating RNA virus interactions with the cGAS/STING pathway.
• Analysis of viral antagonism mechanisms and STING activation pathways.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on viral immune escape strategies.

Main Results:

• Numerous viral families have evolved sophisticated strategies to antagonize the STING pathway.
• STING activation has been observed following infection with various enveloped RNA viruses, including flaviviruses.
• Characterized viral escape mechanisms target different steps of the cGAS/STING signaling cascade.

Conclusions:

• Understanding viral strategies to antagonize cGAS/STING is vital for comprehending viral immunopathogenesis.
• Targeting the cGAS/STING pathway offers potential therapeutic avenues for treating RNA viral infections.
• Further research into RNA virus-cGAS/STING interactions could yield significant breakthroughs in antiviral therapies.