Advanced nanomaterials targeting activation of STING for enhanced cancer immunotherapy

•STING agonists have a promising application prospect in activating STING signaling pathway for tumor therapy and improving immune responses.•The activation mechanism of STING signaling pathway and the responses of different cells after the activation of STING were summarized.•The latest progress of STING nano agonists in cancer treatment was classified and summarized, and representative examples were presented.•The potential challenges and prospects of STING nano agonists as well as the future research were discussed.