In addition to pathogen-derived dsDNA, cytosolic self-DNA, originated from either damaged mitochondrial or unstable genome, can also lead to STING activation and the onset of autoimmune diseases in various pathologies, such as Aicardi–Goutieres syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and other type I interferonopathies10,11. The gene discussed is STING1; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.