Cell-free chromatin: A newly described mediator of systemic inflammation

ABSTRACT

Recent research has shown that cell-free chromatin (cfCh) particles that are released from the billions of cells that die in thebody everyday can enter into healthy cells, integrate into their genomes and induce dsDNA breaks and apoptotic responses.Genomic integration of cfCh activates NFjB suggesting a novel mechanism of induction of systemic inflammation. SinceDNA damage and inflammation are underlying pathologies in multiple devastating acute and chronic disease conditions,the discovery of agents that can inactivate cfCh may provide therapeutic possibilities.