A Comprehensive Review of AIM2 in Cancer: Functional Roles, Molecular Pathways, and Clinical Relevance

Inflammation has been recognized as a component of cancer progression, and inflammasome receptor components also regulate various biological processes, including cell proliferation, gene transcription, and tumorigenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that the AIM2 inflammasome influences tumor progression via multiple concurrent mechanisms, one of which involves the negative regulation of STING‐dependent type I interferon signaling. Consequently, AIM2 may be a potential molecular target for cancer immunotherapy, and further studies are expected to reveal its application prospects in cancer therapy. Extensive research has been published on AIM2 in colorectal cancer, although it is known to also function in many other cancers. This review summarizes the diverse modes through which AIM2 in different cancers and discusses the possible future clinical application of AIM2. This review aims to provide more evidence for better methods of cancer treatment.