IFI16/204 Promotes Dendritic Cell Activation and Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Efficacy via the STING-TBK1-IRF3 Signalling Pathway.

IFI16 (the murine homologue is IFI204) is an intracellular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that plays a crucial role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity. However, its function in dendritic cell (DC) activation and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) efficacy remains poorly characterised. This study demonstrates that IFI16 promotes DC maturation, functional activation and antitumor immunity. This effect occurs through activation of the STING-TBK1-IRF3 signalling pathway. Our findings establish IFI16 as a key molecule enabling DCs to sense dsDNA and initiate antitumor responses. Consequently, targeting IFI16 and its downstream STING-TBK1-IRF3 signalling pathway represents a potential therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.