We conclude that viral DNA is the active PAMP and this notion was also supported by the observation that mutation D185E in the RT active site (HIV‐1 ∆CA‐SP1 RT D185E) also reduced activation of IFIT‐1 luc expression (Fig 3E) and CXCL10 secretion (Fig 3F) on infection of the THP‐1 IFIT‐1 reporter cells. This evidence concerns the gene IFIT1 and infection.