The co-occurrence of targets and therapy concepts in immuno-oncology publications reveals important relationships and insights into how different therapeutic strategies are developed and applied. This involves studying specific molecular targets, immune pathways, and types of therapies being investigated and used in the treatment of cancer. • NK cells | STING agonist Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of lymphocyte that plays a crucial role in the innate immune response, particularly in recognizing and killing virally infected cells and tumor cells. In the context of immuno-oncology, NK cells are recognized for their ability to target and eliminate cancer cells without the need for prior sensitization to tumor antigens, unlike T cells. Their function is primarily regulated by a balance between activating and inhibitory signals received through various receptors on their surface. NK cells identify stressed cells, such as tumor cells, through the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules and the expression of stress-induced ligands. Upon recognition, NK cells release cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes, leading to the lysis of the target cells. NK cells can also mediate ADCC through the Fc receptor CD16, which binds to antibodies coating tumor cells, leading to targeted cell lysis. NK cells secrete cytokines like IFN-γ, which can modulate the TME, enhancing the adaptive immune response and inhibiting tumor growth. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a critical component of the innate immune response, particularly in the detection of cytosolic DNA from pathogens or damaged cells, which can occur in cancer. Activation of STING leads to the production of type I interferons and other cytokines, which can enhance the anti-tumor immune response by promoting the activation of dendritic cells, T cells, and NK cells. STING agonists activate the STING pathway, leading to the production of type I interferons, which enhance the activation and recruitment of various immune cells, including T cells and NK cells, to the tumor site. By activating dendritic cells, STING agonists can enhance the presentation of tumor antigens to T cells, thereby promoting an adaptive immune response against the tumor. In addition to their immune-modulating effects, STING agonists can directly induce apoptosis in tumor cells. STING agonists are often studied in combination with other immunotherapies, such as ICIs (e.g., anti-PD-1/PD-L1), to enhance their efficacy by overcoming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The combination of therapies holds promise as they target different aspects of the immune system, potentially leading to synergistic effects in eliminating tumors. The high average fold increase (>4.5-fold) in the NK cell | STING agonist concept pair indicates growing interest from the scientific community in recent years (Figure and Supporting Information S1).