Many clinical studies have described the central role of HMGB1 in inflammation, and recent studies have also pointed out its potential as a therapeutic target.8 Increased blood concentrations of HMGB1 are observed during infections and in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.9 In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), blood concentrations of HMGB1 correlate with disease activity.10 Here, HMGB1 is linked to infection.