The cGAS-STING pathway drives type I IFN immunopathology in COVID-19

Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is characterized by significant lung pathology and extrapulmonary complications. Type I interferons (IFNs) play an essential role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. While rapid induction of type I IFNs limits virus propagation, sustained elevation of type I IFNs in the late phase of the infection is associated with aberrant inflammation and poor clinical outcome. Using proteomic data from a lung-on-chip model revealed that, in addition to macrophages, SARS-CoV-2 infection activates cGAS-STING signalling in endothelial cells through mitochondrial DNA release, leading to cell death and type I IFN production.