In HBV transgenic mice, HMBG1 may be involved in the amplification of the cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs)-initiated liver damage [70], while in sterile inflammation, HMGB1 can be released from necrotic cells and triggered neutrophil-mediated liver injury [9], suggesting that treatment of HMGB1 inhibitors may be a potential strategy for fighting against hepatitis-caused HCC. Here, HMGB1 is linked to hepatitis A virus infection.