AMPK- and cGAS-Mediated Dual Sensing of Glucose and dsDNA Synergizes to Enhance Antitumor Immunity

Abstract

Intratumoral glucose availability is linked considerably to tumor growth, immune evasion, and metastasis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which glucose levels govern cellular and immune responses against tumors remain incompletely understood. Here, we explored the context of tumors of intersections between AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and cGAS-STING signaling, a key pathway initiating antitumor immunity. We unexpectedly found that AMPK activation robustly enhances cGAS-STING signaling within cancer and immune cells, which potently impacts melanoma and colorectal cell senescence, organoid apoptosis, and the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Using classic or newly developed AMPK agonist Aldometanib, TBK1S511E/S511E knock-in (KI) mice, glucose metabolic modulator, as well as AMPK1/2 dKO melanoma, we demonstrated that dual sensing of intratumoral glucose and dsDNA integrated by the AMPK-TBK1 cascade is essential for initiating antitumor immunity and suppressing cancer progressions. Notably, novel AMPK agonists or intervening in glucose glycolysis by Lonidamine synergized effectively with STING agonists, substantially inhibiting melanoma growth. Therefore, these findings unravel a concise mechanism integrating glucose metabolism and innate DNA sensing into cancer cell fate and propose an effective therapeutic strategy to enhance antitumor immunity. HIGHLIGHTSO_LIDual and synergistic sensing of glucose and dsDNA facilitates antitumor immunity in melanoma and colorectal cancer; C_LIO_LIAMPK substitutes intratumoral cGAS-STING-IRF3 signaling through TBK1 phosphorylation at S511; C_LIO_LIGlucose deficiency induces cancer cell senescence, apoptosis, and T lymphocyte infiltration via the AMPK-TBK1 cascade; C_LIO_LINewly developed AMPK agonists synergize with STING agonists to retrieve striking tumor suppression. C_LI