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Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics ›› 2025, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (5): 690-694.doi: 10.12092/j.issn.1009-2501.2025.05.013

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Targeting the cGAS-STING pathway for the treatment of ischemic stroke 

QIAN Qingfang, LI Wenjing, LI Qiang   

  1. Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng 024005, Inner Mongolia, China
  • Received:2024-04-24 Revised:2024-08-10 Online:2025-05-26 Published:2025-05-13

Abstract:

Ischemic stroke is a devastating neurological disease worldwide, with high global burden. The microglial activation-driven neuroinflammation plays a critical role in pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. After the ictus of brain ischemic attack, cytosolic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) released by necrotic neuronal cells is a potential damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) to activate cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. cGAS-STING signaling pathway has emerged as a key player in microglial activation, sterile neuroinflammation, and cell death following ischemic stroke. Targeting this pathway holds promise for developing novel therapeutics that effectively mitigate neuroinflammation, prevent cell death, and enhance patient outcomes. In this review, we first outline the principal elements of the cGAS-STING signaling cascade, then discusses the pivotal role of the cGAS-STING pathway in ischemic stroke. Then, we outline selective small-molecules modulators that function as cGAS-STING inhibitors and summarize their mechanisms to treat Ischemic stroke. Finally, we discuss key limitations of the current therapeutic paradigm and generate possible strategies to overcome them. 

Key words: ischemic stroke, cGAS, STING, neuroprotection

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