STING to the lysosome’s rescue

Abstract

STING (stimulator of interferon genes) functions in innate immunity as an adaptor protein in a signaling cascade initiated upon detection of cytosolic DNA. STING is continuously transported to the lysosome, where it is degraded, to maintain homeostasis after activation, and STING signaling can induce lysosome biogenesis. Lysosome storage disorders (LSDs) can lead to pathogenic STING activation, where its degradation is impaired.

Considering the link to both lysosome dysfunction and lysosome biogenesis, as well as a lack of understanding of detection and repair of lysosomal damage, Tang et al. set out to investigate the role of STING in lysosomal homeostasis.