Foreign DNA and Chronic Inflammation

 
The presence of foreign DNA in the human body whether introduced through infections, environmental exposure, or medical interventions can trigger complex immune responses that, under certain conditions, lead to chronic inflammation. Normally, the immune system is finely tuned to detect and eliminate non-self genetic material to maintain cellular integrity. However, when this surveillance system becomes persistently activated by the continuous presence or misrecognition of foreign DNA, it may initiate a prolonged inflammatory state. This can occur through pathways such as cGAS-STING signaling, where cytosolic DNA is interpreted as a threat, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Over time, this sustained immune activation can contribute to tissue damage, cellular dysfunction, and the progression of chronic conditions such as autoimmune diseases, metabolic syndromes, or even cancer. Understanding how the body distinguishes between self and non-self DNA—and why in some cases this process fails is crucial for developing targeted therapies that address the root causes of chronic inflammation rather than merely managing symptoms.