Research Article 2026-04-22 under-review v1

Machine Learning-Driven Discovery and Experimental Validation of Novel STING Inhibitors from Traditional Chinese Medicine

T
Tian Zhao Zunyi Medical University
D
Dan Chen Zunyi Medical University
Z
Zongjun Chen Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College
Q
Qionghui Wang Zunyi Medical University
J
Jun Qing Zunyi Medical University
Q
Qiang Huang Zunyi Medical University
Y
Yihuan Zhao Zunyi Medical University
L
Lei Zhu Zunyi Medical University

Abstract

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a key signaling adaptor in the cGAS-STING pathway of the innate immune system, playing a significant role in autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and cancer, thus representing a promising target for small-molecule inhibitor therapies. This study presents an integrated multi-dimensional computer-aided drug design (CADD) approach that utilizes machine learning (ML), molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and ADMET prediction to efficiently discover new STING inhibitors from natural products. We developed a precise ML-based STING classification model with 98.5% accuracy and a robust STING inhibitor activity regression model demonstrating strong predictive capabilities, evidenced by an R² of 0.826, MAE of 0.357, and RMSE of 0.452. Virtual screening across multiple traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound libraries (Tao Shu L6810, TCMIO, TCMBank, and HERB) yielded 1,596 compounds with predicted pIC50 ≥ 7.00. After rigorous multi-step screening, seven compounds were selected for ADMET evaluation and experimental validation. Notably, two natural compounds, Cassiaside and Plantaginin, showed STING pathway-suppressive activity in THP-1-derived macrophages, and MD simulations further validated their stable binding to the STING protein. Collectively, this study provides a robust and accurate ML-driven strategy for STING inhibitor discovery and identifies two promising TCM-derived lead compounds, offering valuable structural scaffolds for the rational design of STING-targeted therapeutics against immune and inflammatory diseases.

Citation Information

@article{tianzhao2026,
  title={Machine Learning-Driven Discovery and Experimental Validation of Novel STING Inhibitors from Traditional Chinese Medicine},
  author={Tian Zhao and Dan Chen and Zongjun Chen and Qionghui Wang and Jun Qing and Qiang Huang and Yihuan Zhao and Lei Zhu},
  journal={Molecular Diversity},
  year={2026},
  doi={https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9357878/v1}
}
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