Airway exposure to STING agonist dimeric amidobenzimidazole (diABZI) induces self-DNA release, NET formation, the upregulation of various DNA sensors (including cGAS, AIM2, DDX41 and IFI204) and STING-dependent type I IFN response in lung, together with TLR9-mediated neutrophilic inflammation, ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis and ARDS.301. This evidence concerns the gene AIM2 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.