| Depression, a prevalent and highly disabling mood disorder, manifests as negative emotions, cognitive impairment, and somatic symptoms, severely impacting global public health. Although current treatments, including antidepressants and psychotherapy, are diverse, their effectiveness remains limited, and some patients develop resistance, creating an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. The STING signaling pathway, recognized for its role in innate immunity and inflammatory responses, has gained widespread attention. Studies have shown that its abnormal activation is associated with the pathogenesis of depression. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which STING contributes to depression and explores its potential as a therapeutic target, particularly focusing on the advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in modulating the STING pathway through multi-component, multi-target actions. This review provides innovative intervention insights and future research directions for the treatment of depression. |