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Updated: May 29, 2026

Preparation of Tumor Antigen-loaded Mature Dendritic Cells for Immunotherapy
Published on: August 1, 2013
STING Activation in Dendritic Cells Enhances Antigen Presentation by Live Tumor Cells
Adriana Loverre1,2, Bakhos Jneid1,2, Magali Genest1
1Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France.
None:
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a key regulator of antitumor immunity. Activation of STING by the natural agonist 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) induces type I interferon and promotes CD8+ T cell responses against tumors. However, how type I interferon modulates tumor cell recognition by T cells remains unclear. Here, using a co-culture model and virus-like particles encapsulating cGAMP (cGAMP-VLP), we show that STING activation in dendritic cells enhances CD8+ T cell recognition of live tumor cells through type I interferon signaling. This effect is independent of enhanced cross-presentation of soluble or tumor-associated antigens. Instead, type I interferon produced downstream of STING signaling drives MHC-I upregulation on tumor cells, which is required for T cell activation. In vivo, host STING activation with cGAMP-VLP improves the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade, particularly in tumors lacking cGAS. Together, these findings identify a transcellular mechanism whereby STING activation in dendritic cells increases tumor cell MHC-I expression to enhance CD8+ T cell-mediated tumor recognition.
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