Fig. 8: Schematic diagram of tracheal dsDNA activating cGAS-STING pathway of macrophages to promote fibrosis in BAS. | Nature Communications

Fig. 8: Schematic diagram of tracheal dsDNA activating cGAS-STING pathway of macrophages to promote fibrosis in BAS.

From: Macrophage STING signaling promotes fibrosis in benign airway stenosis via an IL6-STAT3 pathway

Fig. 8: Schematic diagram of tracheal dsDNA activating cGAS-STING pathway of macrophages to promote fibrosis in BAS.

Upon injury, dsDNA released from the tracheal epithelium activates the STING pathway in macrophages, leading to the release of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6. IL-6 then activates STAT3 signaling in fibroblasts, contributing to the fibrosis of granulation tissue. Treatment with the cGAS inhibitor RU.521, the STING inhibitor C176, or IL-6 neutralizing antibody alleviates granulation tissue fibrosis. Additionally, depletion of macrophages using bisphosphonate liposomes reduces the extent of fibrosis in the granulation tissue.

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