cGAS in action: Expanding roles in immunity and inflammation

Abstract

cGAS sensing of DNA: A comprehensive look The immune system uses the cGAS-STING (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase–stimulator of interferon genes) signaling pathway to detect the presence of intracellular DNA. This is beneficial because cytosolic DNA is often a sign of host damage or invasion by pathogens. However, inappropriate responses to self-DNA must be suppressed to prevent detrimental effects on the host. Ablasser and Chen review the latest advances uncovering how cGAS and STING control inflammatory responses and are themselves regulated. Special attention is paid to the role of cGAS in sterile inflammatory conditions as well as to the therapeutic potential of modulating this pathway. Science , this issue p. eaat8657