Moreover, Mn2+ is a powerful cGAS activator to enhance STING-mediated type I IFN response in both tumor cells and DCs, involving STING, tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) phosphorylation (Fig. 1b)25,26. This evidence concerns the gene TBK1 and neoplasm.