Based on the observation that the injected DNA fragments may be cleared by TREX1 in the rat model prior to the onset of arthritis (Supplementary Fig. 3D), consistent with the gradual downregulation of TREX1 expression after the onset of AIA in rats, the hind paw volume and the arthritis scores in the AIA + DNA group were similar to those in the AIA group at Day 30. The gene discussed is TREX1; the disease is arthritic joint disease.