IFN-α stimulates neutrophils in SLE patients to form NETs in the presence of anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antibodies. The formed NETs contain non-engulfed chromatin that facilitates DNA uptake by PDCs. NETs are the source of the elevated cfDNA levels in SLE patients (14). This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and systemic lupus erythematosus.