cGAS-STING pathway in innate immunity and its cell-specific role in kidney diseases

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is a key component of the innate immune system, responding to the presence of DNA within cells to trigger an inflammatory response. A growing body of research shows that this pathway is equally important in non-infectious diseases such as cancer, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune diseases. In the kidney, the cGAS-STING signaling pathway is activated in different types of renal cells and can drive a range of disease-causing processes, including inflammation, fibrosis, and functional decline. In this review, we systematically summarize the basic mechanism of the cGAS-STING pathway and its role in innate immunity. In particular, we discuss the specific effects of this pathway in renal cells and discuss its potential applications in future basic research and clinical treatment, providing a theoretical basis for the development of new therapies for kidney diseases.