In conclusion, our present study provides evidence of the role of the HMGB1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway at the level of DCs in ALI and further confirms that HMGB1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling participates in the pathological process of ALI by regulating the maturation and functions of DCs. Here, MTOR is linked to acute respiratory distress syndrome.