Structure and function of extracellular HMGB-1 / 医学研究生学报

ABSTRACT

HMGB-1, an ubiquitously expressed 25-KD nucleoprotein among mammals, belongs to the HMG family. Recent studies have identified that HMGB-1 is secreted by activated monocytes/macrophages via a non-classical ,vesicle-mediated secretory pathway. Extracellular HMGB-1 is an important proinflammatory cytokine. It participates in the pathogenesis of many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis , acute lung injury, and even leads animals death. Further studies of the mechanism and function of extracellular HMGB-1 may provide a novel strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.