STING1 and cancer: STING was initially characterized to be essential for induction of antiviral immunity, notably because of its ability to promote the secretion of type I IFNs and proinflammatory mediators from DCs and macrophages.16 STING-driven activation of the innate immune system promotes adaptive immune responses that not only favor host defense against infections but also can drive the elimination of cancer cells,45 indicating the key importance of this molecular pathway for the maintenance of host homeostasis.