Figure 2

HMGB1 release and extracellular function. HMGB1 can be actively secreted by immune inflammatory cells or passively released by dead, dying or injured cells into the extracellular milieu by several different mechanisms as indicated. Extracellular HMGB1 acts as a DAMP molecule and plays a vital role in several pathophysiological processes. The activity of extracellular HMGB1 depends on redox state, receptors and their interactive partners.