Crystal structures of STING protein reveal basis for recognition of cyclic di-GMP.

STING functions as both an adaptor protein signaling cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA and a direct immunosensor of cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP). The crystal structures of the C-terminal domain of human STING (STING(CTD)) and its complex with c-di-GMP reveal how STING recognizes c-di-GMP. In response to c-di-GMP binding, two surface loops, which serve as a gate and latch of the cleft formed by the dimeric STING(CTD), undergo rearrangements to interact with the ligand.