Although the innate immune system is known to be critical for the early detection of invading pathogens and for initiating host defence systems, little is known about how it is galvanized to respond to DNA-based microbes. STING (stimulator of interferon genes) is now shown to be necessary for the initiation of effective type I interferon production and, accordingly, there is an increase in the susceptibility of Sting-knockout mice to infection by the DNA virus HSV-1.
- Hiroki Ishikawa
- Zhe Ma
- Glen N. Barber
