Previously, we documented that the novel synthetic TLR4 antagonist FP7 inhibited TLR4 function and glycolytic re-programming of dendritic cells, and protected mice from death due to TLR4-dependent influenza infection.23 Interestingly, we showed that FP7 completely blocked the production of HMGB-1 (high mobility G box 1 protein, necrotic release factor)-induced TLR4-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokines from dendritic cells. Here, HMGB1 is linked to influenza.