Two lipids that help switch on STING open doors in fight against autoimmune disorders and cancer
Medical Xpress
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have uncovered two lipids that collaborate with a critical protein called STING (stimulator of interferon genes) to trigger immune responses in the body. Their groundbreaking findings, published simultaneously in *Nature*, reveal new insights into how these molecules activate STING, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments for infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery could revolutionize approaches to manipulating the immune system for therapeutic purposes.
STING plays a pivotal role in detecting pathogenic threats and stress signals within cells, subsequently launching an immune response. The researchers identified two specific lipids—dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and phosphatidylserine phosphorylation (PSP—as key activators of STING. These molecules bind to STING, prompting its relocation to cellular membranes where it initiates the production of interferons, proteins essential for fighting infections and cancer.
The study highlights the importance of lipid-protein interactions in immune regulation. By pinpointing these lipids as critical regulators of STING activity, scientists may develop new therapies that either enhance or suppress immune responses depending on the clinical context. For instance, activating STING could be harnessed to fight cancers by boosting antitumor immunity, while modulating its activity might help manage autoimmune diseases where overactive immunity causes harm.
This research marks a significant step forward in understanding intracellular signaling pathways involved in immune defense. The findings not only deepen our knowledge of how the body combats pathogens but also open doors for developing targeted therapies to address a wide range of diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, where inflammation plays a role. However, further studies are needed to fully grasp the balance between immune activation and potential side effects, such as excessive inflammation.
In summary, the identification of these lipid molecules offers fresh hope for treating various health challenges by manipulating the STING pathway. This discovery underscores the importance of basic
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/24/2026