HMGB1 and Sepsis: Interestingly, in sepsis, hepatocytes release large amounts of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) (a potent DAMP) which is transported to the cytoplasm of macrophages where it induces pyroptosis (a lytic form of cell death) resulting in depletion of the macrophage population, shock, multiple organ failure, and death (68).