The cGAS-STING pathway in aging and neurological diseases: From mechanisms to treatment

Among the numerous immune signal transduction pathways in the human body, the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has attracted much attention due to its crucial role in sensing DNA within cells. In this article, we summarize the relationships between some phenomena of aging and the cGAS-STING pathway, including autophagy dysfunction and mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation and Chromosome instability and micronucleus DNA formation, and the roles of the cGAS-STING pathway in neurodegenerative diseases related to aging, neurological infections, and neuroimmune diseases. Finally, we analyze the potential therapeutic strategies of drugs that specifically inhibit the cGAS-STING pathway, such as cGAS inhibitors, Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) inhibitors, STING inhibitors and mitochondrial protectants. By introducing various diseases and their possible treatment options, this review deeply analyzes the impact of the cGAS-STING pathway on the aging process and neurological diseases, and explores its role in aging and neurological diseases as well as its potential therapeutic prospects.