IFI16 /204 Promotes Dendritic Cell Activation and Anti‐Hepatocellular Carcinoma Efficacy via the STING – TBK1 – IRF3 Signalling Pathway

IFI16 (the murine homologue is IFI204) is an intracellular double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that plays a crucial role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity. However, its function in dendritic cell (DC) activation and anti‐hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) efficacy remains poorly characterised. This study demonstrates that IFI16 promotes DC maturation, functional activation and antitumor immunity. This effect occurs through activation of the STING–TBK1–IRF3 signalling pathway. Our findings establish IFI16 as a key molecule enabling DCs to sense dsDNA and initiate antitumor responses. Consequently, targeting IFI16 and its downstream STING–TBK1–IRF3 signalling pathway represents a potential therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.