HMGB-1

High Mobility Group Box Chromosomal Protein 1 (HMGB-1) is a pro-inflammatory protein that is secreted by different cell types to regulate immune responses. HMGB-1 is expressed at high levels beginning approximately 12 to 72 hours after an inflammatory reaction of the immune system has been initiated, about the time tissue damage is believed to occur. Because of the timing and duration of expression, HMGB-1 could potentially appears to be an important factor in the sequence of events that result in severe tissue damage following injury or during chronic inflammation. Preclinical data suggest that a blocking antibody to HMGB1 may provide protection in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and in acute life-threatening conditions, such as sepsis.