704-STING–NF-κB builds an influenza spillover barrier

Paper Talk · Mar 27, 2026 · 21m

This research identifies the STING–NF-κB–GADD34 signaling pathway as a critical innate immune barrier that restricts the transmission of avian influenza A viruses into humans. While the STING protein is well-known for triggering interferons, this study reveals that it also activates an IRF3-independent antiviral response through a specific Gly90 residue. This activation induces the expression of GADD34, which directly binds to and inhibits the viral polymerase complex to block replication. To counter this defense, human-adapted influenza strains have evolved a specific isoleucine mutation at…