The AIM2 inflammasome represents a multifaceted oligomeric protein complex within the innate immune system, with the capacity to perceive double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and engage in diverse physiological reactions and disease contexts, including cancer. While originally conceived as a discerning DNA sensor, AIM2 has demonstrated its capability to discern various nucleic acid variations, encompassing RNA and DNA-RNA hybrids. Through its interaction with nucleic acids, AIM2 orchestrates the assembly of a complex involving multiple proteins, aptly named the AIM2 inflammasome, which facilitates the enzymatic cleavage of proinflammatory cytokines, namely pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18. This process, in turn, underpins its pivotal biological role. In this review, we provide a systematic summary and discussion of the latest advancements in AIM2 sensing various types of nucleic acids. Additionally, we discuss the modulation of AIM2 activation, which can cause cell death, including pyroptosis, apoptosis, and autophagic cell death. Finally, we fully illustrate the evidence for the dual role of AIM2 in different cancer types, including both anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic functions. Considering the above information, we uncover the therapeutic promise of modulating the AIM2 inflammasome in cancer treatment.

AIM2 炎症小体代表先天免疫系统内的多方面寡聚蛋白复合物，具有感知双链 DNA (dsDNA) 并参与多种生理反应和疾病环境（包括癌症）的能力。虽然 AIM2 最初被设想为识别 DNA 传感器，但现已证明其能够识别各种核酸变异，包括 RNA 和 DNA-RNA 杂交体。通过与核酸的相互作用，AIM2 协调包含多种蛋白质的复合物的组装，恰当地命名为 AIM2 炎症小体，它促进促炎细胞因子（即 pro-IL-1β 和 pro-IL-18）的酶裂解。反过来，这个过程又巩固了其关键的生物学作用。在这篇综述中，我们对 AIM2 传感各种类型核酸的最新进展进行了系统的总结和讨论。此外，我们还讨论了 AIM2 激活的调节，这可能导致细胞死亡，包括细胞焦亡、细胞凋亡和自噬性细胞死亡。最后，我们充分说明了 AIM2 在不同癌症类型中双重作用的证据，包括抗肿瘤和促肿瘤功能。考虑到上述信息，我们揭示了调节 AIM2 炎性体在癌症治疗中的治疗前景。