Chemical evolution of cyclic dinucleotides: Perspective of the analogs and their preparation

Abstract Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) have been recognized as second messengers in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Until now, four CDNs were identified in the natural organism. In mammalian cells, CDNs could activate stimulator of interferon genes (STING), leading to the induction of type I interferon pro-inflammatory cytokines. It indicated that CDNs could be used for the treatment of tumor and infectious diseases in immune-therapy. Here, we will review the latest progress of the CDNs analogs and their bioactivities. What’s more, the preparation of CDNs through biosynthetic and chemical synthetic methods was summarized as well. It was hoped that this review would provide a comprehensive understanding of CDNs based STING agonists on the chemical perspective for readers who are interested in this area.