Function
Stimulator of interferon genes protein or transmembrane protein 173 (STING) is an ER-associated membrane protein. STING signals immune responses in human and other animals. STING is activated by cyclic GMP-AMP produced by cyclic GMP-AMP synthase whose activity is triggered by infections of DNA-containing pathogens[1]. A PLPLRT/SD conserved motif at the STING C-terminal plays a critical role in turning on the immune system to fight against viral infections[2].
Relevance
STING mutations are associated with autoimmune diseases[3].
Structural highlights
The biological assembly of UDP-3-O-(3-hydroxymyristoyl)glucosamine N-acyltransferase is (PDB code 6uec). The 3D structure of LpxD complex with a ligand shows the binding site to be situated at . There are extensive polar interactions with LpxD as well as hydrogen bonds[4].