Cytoplasmic DNA

Cytoplasmic DNA refers to any DNA species present in the cytoplasm rather than the nucleus or mitochondria. Cytoplasmic DNA can result from cellular stress, DNA damage, deficiencies in DNA repair, or infection, and its presence frequently acts as a danger signal, triggering potent innate immune responses through pattern recognition receptors such as the cGAS-STING pathway. While cytoplasmic DNA itself is not a molecular target (receptor, enzyme, transporter, etc.), the sensors and pathways that detect cytoplasmic DNA are considered major therapeutic targets in inflammatory, autoimmune, cancer, and infectious diseases. Aberrant accumulation or sensing of cytoplasmic DNA contributes to pathogenic inflammation and autoimmunity. Key notes: - Cytoplasmic DNA is not a single molecule, receptor, or protein but rather a class of DNA mislocalized to the cytoplasm. It serves as a DAMP ("danger-associated molecular pattern") recognized by innate immunity. - Primary therapeutic targets are the sensors (e.g., cGAS, STING), not the DNA itself. - Entry is marked 'incorrect' because it does not fit canonical target definitions (receptors, enzymes, etc.).

Other names

cytoDNAextranuclear DNAmislocalized DNADNA in cytoplasm