Novel insights into the role of cGAS-STING signaling in HBV infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a small, partially double-stranded DNA virus, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases, ranging from chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. Extensive research has demonstrated that adaptive immunity serves as the primary defense mechanism against HBV infection, predominantly mediated through the HBV-specific T cells and antibodies. Notably, the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling, a crucial pathway in inducing type I interferons (IFN-I) and orchestrating innate immunity, has been increasingly recognized for its involvement in anti-HBV responses. Also, studies have stated that HBV-derived components can modulate the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, subsequently regulating IFN-I production and shaping anti-HBV responses. In this review, we discuss the relationship between cGAS-STING signaling pathway and HBV infection. Furthermore, we briefly introduce the pharmacological approaches that target cGAS-STING pathway for HBV treatment.