Circulating, plasma mucleic acids are endogenous activators of stem and immune cells through toll-like receptors

Background: The amount of circulating plasma free DNA (cpfDNA) is increased in IBD and neoplastic colorectal alterations (CRC). Their physiological role is not cleared, yet. Non-eukaryotic, non-methylated CpG DNA motifs are recognized by human Toll-like receptors on immune cells and stem cells. Aims: To prove the physiological role of cpfDNA as endogenous ligand of TLR9 and to analyze its activator and mobiliser effects on immune and regenerative cells. Materials and methods: CpfDNA was isolated from peripheral blood (PBL) of 20 healthy, adenoma, colorectal cancer (CRC) and active IBD patiens. Whole genomic sequ…