HMGB1 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Phagocytosis of necrotic cells and degraded chromatin by PMN was also reduced in some SLE patients (30), but more convincing evidence for the role of neutrophils is an increase in various NET proteins, such as defensins, high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), and bactericidal proteins in lupus blood compared to healthy donor blood (79, 80).