Pathogenic role of HMGB1 in SARS?
High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is released by necrotic cells or activated macrophages/monocytes, and functions as a late mediator of lethal systemic and local pulmonary inflammation. Passive immunization with anti-HMGB1 antibodies confers significant protection against lethal endotoxemia, sepsis, and acute lung injury, even when antibodies are administered after the onset of these diseases. In light of observations that three Chinese herbal formulations recommended for treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) specifically inhibited the release of HMGB1 from innate immune cells, we hypothesize that HMGB1 might occupy a pathogenic role in SARS by mediating an injurious pulmonary inflammatory response.
Chen
Guoqian
G
Department of Emergency Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, New York University School of Medicine, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
Chen
Da-Zhi
DZ
Li
Jianhua
J
Czura
Christopher J
CJ
Tracey
Kevin J
KJ
Sama
Andrew E
AE
Wang
Haichao
H
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D024243:HMGB1 Protein / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018448:Models, Immunological; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D024243:HMGB1 Protein