Targeting the cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway in cancer therapy

New possibilities for treating cancer have been made possible by recent developments in immunotherapy, with innate immune signaling system modulation receiving particular attention. The cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway, as the core signal axis of cytoplasmic DNA sensing, exhibits a dual effect in anti-tumor immunity by triggering an immunological response driven by pro-inflammatory factors and type I interferon (IFN-I). Proper activation of the pathway significantly enhances antitumor immune responses, while excessive activation or dysfunction promotes tumor progression. This article offers an in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanism associated with the pathway, its biological function in cancer, and the research progress of targeted drugs, seeking to investigate and create more potent therapeutic medications while also thoroughly examining the pathway's unique function.