The Emerging Roles of STING in Bacterial Infections

Trends Microbiol. 2017 Nov;25(11):906-918. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.05.008. Epub 2017 Jun 15.

Abstract

The STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) protein connects microorganism cytosolic sensing with effector functions of the host cell by sensing directly cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), originating from pathogens or from the host upon DNA recognition. Although STING activation favors effective immune responses against viral infections, its role during bacterial diseases is controversial, ranging from protective to detrimental effects for the host. In this review, we summarize important features of the STING activation pathway and recent highlights about the role of STING in bacterial infections by Chlamydia, Listeria, Francisella, Brucella, Shigella, Salmonella, Streptococcus, and Neisseria genera, with a special focus on mycobacteria.

Keywords: DNA and nucleotide sensing; STING; Stimulator of Interferon Genes; bacteria; infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / genetics*
  • Bacterial Infections / immunology*
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Cytosol / immunology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mycobacterium / immunology
  • Mycobacterium Infections / immunology

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • STING1 protein, human