STING1 and neoplasm: Once activated, cGAS generates cGAMP, which can be propagated to surrounding cells through gap junctions.193 Additionally, cGAMP can be released into the extracellular fluid via mechanisms such as cell death, and be taken up by surrounding cells through endocytosis or transport proteins like SLC19a1 and P2XR7, thereby exerting effects within these cells (Fig. 3).194,195 For instance, cGAMP released by tumor cells can be taken up by immune cells, leading to their self-activation.195 Interestingly, recent studies have shown that activated STING can also be transferred between cells.