Activation of STING in T cells induces type I IFN responses and cell death

摘要

STING was initially described as a sensor of intracellular bacterial and viral DNA and a promising adjuvant target in innate immune cells; more recently STING has also been shown to detect endogenous DNA and play a role in tumor immunity and autoimmune disease development. Thus far STING has been studied in macrophages and dendritic cells. Here, we provide the first evidence of STING activation in T cells, in which STING agonists not only provoke IFN-I production and ISG expression, mirroring the response of innate cells, but are also capable of activating cell stress and death pathways. Our results suggest a reevaluation of STING agonist-based therapies may be necessary to identify possible effects on the T cell compartment. Conversely, the effects of STING on T cells could potentially be harnessed for therapeutic applications.