HMGB1 and atherosclerosis: This way, HMGB1 induces the recruitment of macrophages, which upregulate RAGE and the activity of which translates into the further release of HMGB1 and cytokines propagating the inflammatory response, representing the early stage of atherosclerosis and predisposing to acute ischemic stroke [16], a condition commonly observed in severe COVID-19 patients [85].