Lipopolysaccharide and HMGB1: key regulatory factors in the pathophysiology of sepsis a mechanistic and therapeutic review - Report - MDSpire

Lipopolysaccharide and HMGB1: key regulatory factors in the pathophysiology of sepsis a mechanistic and therapeutic review

  • By

  • ZiAng Wang

  • ZhengGang Luan

  • June 26, 2026

  • 0 min

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Regulatory Roles of Lipopolysaccharide and HMGB1 in Sepsis Pathophysiology

Overview

This review discusses the roles of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in the pathophysiology of sepsis, highlighting their interactions.

Background

Sepsis is a severe clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality, primarily driven by Gram-negative bacterial infections. Understanding the mechanisms of sepsis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data available in the article.

Key Findings

  • LPS initiates inflammatory cascades through TLR4 and cytosolic caspases (caspase-11 in mice; caspases-4 and -5 in humans).
  • The HMGB1–LPS complex is internalized via RAGE-mediated endocytosis, leading to caspase-11 activation.
  • HMGB1 release amplifies inflammation and coagulopathy, contributing to multi-organ failure in sepsis.
  • Current therapeutic strategies targeting HMGB1 have shown promise in preclinical models.
  • TLR4 and caspase pathways may cooperate in a context-dependent manner in human sepsis.

Clinical Implications

Understanding the roles of these molecules could inform the development of treatments for sepsis and related inflammatory disorders.

Conclusion

The review highlights the interplay between LPS and HMGB1 in sepsis pathophysiology.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Pharmacological intervention of the HMGB1-pCTS-L axis to ameliorate inflammatory diseases
  2. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- The regulatory mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome in the “immune paralytic-overactivation” imbalance in sepsis
  3. Critical Care (Springer), 2025 -- High-density lipoprotein: a biomarker and therapeutic target in sepsis
  4. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Gut barrier-microbiota crosstalk in sepsis: from pathogenesis to potential therapies
  5. Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines | SCCM
  6. Effect of Eritoran, an Antagonist of MD2-TLR4, on Mortality in Patients With Severe Sepsis: The ACCESS Randomized Trial
  7. ROLE OF CASPASE-1/CASPASE-11-HMGB1-RAGE/TLR4 SIGNALING IN THE EXACERBATION OF EXTRAPULMONARY SEPSIS-INDUCED LUNG INJURY BY MECHANICAL VENTILATION - PubMed
  8. Surviving Sepsis Campaign Adult Guidelines | SCCM
  9. Effect of Eritoran, an Antagonist of MD2-TLR4, on Mortality in Patients With Severe Sepsis: The ACCESS Randomized Trial
  10. ROLE OF CASPASE-1/CASPASE-11-HMGB1-RAGE/TLR4 SIGNALING IN THE EXACERBATION OF EXTRAPULMONARY SEPSIS-INDUCED LUNG INJURY BY MECHANICAL VENTILATION - PubMed

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