Research Progress on the cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Cancer

doi:10.12280/gjfckx.20250696

Abstract

Abstract:

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the gynecological malignant tumor with the highest mortality rate. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a poor prognosis. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway, as a core hub of innate immunity, triggers type Ⅰ interferon response by recognizing abnormal cytoplasmic DNA and plays a crucial role in regulating anti-tumor immunity and the tumor microenvironment. This pathway shows a "double-edged sword" characteristic in OC. Acute activation can enhance anti-tumor immunity through mechanisms such as enhancing antigen presentation by dendritic cells and promoting CD8+ T cell infiltration. Chronic and persistent activation promotes tumor progression by driving the non-classical nuclear factor-κB pathway. Additionally, this pathway in OC is often inactivated due to factors such as epigenetic silencing or inhibition by metabolites, further weakening immune surveillance. Based on its bidirectional regulatory characteristics, STING agonists and their combined application with immune checkpoint inhibitors, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, chemotherapy, or oncolytic viruses provide new directions for the treatment of OC.

Key words: Ovarian neoplasms, Cyclic GMP, Interferon type Ⅰ, Immunity, innate, Tumor escape, STING agonist

SUN Ya-ge, ZHANG Yun-feng, LU Yue, GUO Jing-jing, XIANG Xiao-ying, JIA Han, WANG Yue. Research Progress on the cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Cancer[J]. Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2025, 52(6): 696-701.

Figures/Tables 1

References 35

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