The impact of exogenous and endogenous nucleic acids on the development of joint inflammation

Chronic joint inflammation, as in the case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is characterized by an aseptic disease course. Nonetheless, free nucleic acids of bacterial origin are readily found in the inflamed synovial fluid of RA patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential of exogenous and endogenous nucleic acids to trigger joint inflammation in a healthy joint.