A recent study has shown that oxidized mtDNA from irradiated cancer cells can translocate to the cytosol of dendritic cells (313), activating the STING (stimulator of interferon genes)-TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1)-IRF3 (transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 3)-IFN-β pathway enhancing antigen cross-presentation, CD8+ T-cell activation and antitumor immunity and resulting in tumor rejection (312, 313). The gene discussed is TBK1; the disease is cancer.