High mobility group box-1 (HMGb1) protein, a nuclear non-histone protein that is released or secreted from the cell in response to damage or stress, is a sentinel for the immune system that plays a critical role in cell survival/death pathways. This review highlights key features of the endogenous danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) protein, HMGb1 in the innate inflammatory response along with various cofactors and receptors that regulate its downstream effects. The evidence demonstrating increased levels of HMGb1 in human inflammatory diseases and conditions is presented, along with a summary of current small molecule or peptide-like antagonists proven to specifically target HMGb1. Additionally, we delineate the measures needed toward validating this protein as a clinically relevant biomarker or bioindicator and as a relevant drug target.
