Notably, the extent of DNA-induced activation observed for STING, TBK1, and IRF3 during ECTVΔvSlfn and ECTV-vSlfnΔp26 infection was similar to that found in mock-infected cells, indicating that vSlfn is a critical inhibitor of cytosolic DNA sensing in ECTV (Fig. 2D). This evidence concerns the gene STING1 and infection.