Further analysis of protein expression of RIG-I, MDA5, cGAS, STING, phosphoSTING (pSTING), TBK1, and phosphoTBK1 indicated an increase in RIG-I, pSTING, pTBK1 levels in kidneys obtained from patients with CKD (Fig. 2c, d). This evidence concerns the gene TBK1 and chronic kidney disease.