Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: Flow Cytometric Determination of Pyroptosis in Avian Cells
Published on: May 31, 2024
The Chicken cGAS-STING Pathway Exerts Interferon-Independent Antiviral Function via Cell Apoptosis
Sen Jiang1,2,3,4, Mengjia Lv1,2,3,4, Desheng Zhang1,2,3,4
1Comparative Medicine Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
Abstract:
It has been recently recognized that the DNA sensing innate immune cGAS-STING pathway exerts an IFN-independent antiviral function; however, whether and how chicken STING (chSTING) exerts such an IFN-independent antiviral activity is still unknown. Here, we showed that chSTING exerts an antiviral activity in HEK293 cells and chicken cells, independent of IFN production. chSTING was able to trigger cell apoptosis and autophagy independently of IFN, and the apoptosis inhibitors, rather than autophagy inhibitors, could antagonize the antiviral function of chSTING, suggesting the involvement of apoptosis in IFN-independent antiviral function. In addition, chSTING lost its antiviral function in IRF7-knockout chicken macrophages, indicating that IRF7 is not only essential for the production of IFN, but also participates in the other activities of chSTING, such as the apoptosis. Collectively, our results showed that chSTING exerts an antiviral function independent of IFN, likely via apoptosis.
Related Concept Videos
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Caspases
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

