The Significance of cGAS-STING Signaling in Response to Oncogenic Viruses

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway, as a key DNA sensor, plays a significant role in the regulation of innate immune responses. This pathway can be activated by sensing abnormal DNA, and is of great significance for resisting the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms and maintaining tissue homeostasis. In addition, the cGAS-STING pathway plays a dual role in cancer, and oncogenic viruses can cause cell carcinogenesis in the body through multiple mechanisms, thereby affecting human health. This manuscript reviews the vital role of cGAS-STING in the immune process, as well as the fact that viruses causing human tumor lesions can activate cGAS-STING, leading to virus inhibition and further preventing the occurrence and development of related cancers, and the paradoxically promoted progression of related cancers by viruses through cGAS-STING. And summarize the agonists and inhibitors that act in different ways based on the activation mechanism of cGAS-STING.