APE1 promotes radiation resistance against radiation-induced pyroptosis by inhibiting the STING pathway in lung adenocarcinoma

•We found that APE1 was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues compared to the para-carcinoma tissues, and its high expression promoted the proliferation and invasion of the LUAD cells in vitro and in vivo.•Mechanistically, APE1 inhibited pyroptosis by inactivating the STING pathway via direct interaction with AIM2 and DDX41.•APE1 protects LUAD cells against radiation-induced damage and induces radio-resistance by targeting the STING/DDX41 pathway.•APE1 inhibitors should be considered for enhancing the radiosensitivity of LUAD cells and improving patient prognosis and therapeutic outcomes. We believe that the findings of this study are relevant to the scope of your journal and will be of interest to its readership.