MSA-2 in solution exists as monomers and noncovalent dimers in an equilibrium that strongly favors monomers; MSA-2 monomers cannot bind STING, whereas the noncovalent MSA-2 dimers bind STING with nanomolar affinity. MSA-2 exhibits substantially higher cellular potency in an acidified tumor microenvironment than normal tissue, owing to increased cellular entry and retention combined with the inherently steep MSA-2 concentration dependence of STING occupancy.