This result aligns with the previous findings that innate immune genes are more highly expressed in an SCLC cell line H69 variant cell line with upregulation of mesenchymal genes—it was found that in this cell line, TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1 signaling is activated by a subclass of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) through MAVS and STING to form a positive feedback loop and sustain innate immune gene expression27. This evidence concerns the gene IRF3 and small cell lung carcinoma.