Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Stimulation of Cytoplasmic DNA Sensing Pathways In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: September 18, 2014
Autoinflammation by endogenous DNA
Shigekazu Nagata1, Kohki Kawane
1Department of Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan.
Abstract:
In various mammalian developmental processes such as programmed cell death, erythropoiesis, and lens-cell differentiation, chromosomal DNA is degraded into nucleotides by a set of specific nucleases. If this process does not proceed smoothly, the undigested DNA causes various problems. For example, when chromosomal DNA is not degraded in the lens cells, cataracts form. In other cases, undigested DNA in macrophages activates the innate immune system, like a DNA virus, and causes strong inflammation, resulting in anemia, arthritis, and lymphopenia. Here, we discuss when, where, and how DNA is degraded to maintain mammalian homeostasis.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation: Introduction
Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular

