HMGB1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: These consequences contribute to airway inflammation and alveolar destruction, major characteristics of COPD and its exacerbation.2, 3, 4, 27 Recent studies demonstrated that HMGB1 promoted autophagy in lung ischaemia‐reperfusion/injury‐triggered macrophages, facilitating the inflammation response.22, 23 Consistent with these studies, we found that blockade of HMGB1 with anti‐HMGB1 and Gly attenuated CSE‐induced increase of LC3B‐II, suggesting the involvement of HMGB1 in CSE‐induced autophagy.