Hydrolyzes DNA under acidic conditions with a preference for double-stranded DNA. Plays a major role in the clearance of nucleic acids generated through apoptosis, hence preventing autoinflammation (PubMed:29259162, PubMed:31775019). Necessary for proper fetal development and for definitive erythropoiesis in fetal liver and bone marrow, where it degrades nuclear DNA expelled from erythroid precursor cells (PubMed:29259162).