HMGB1 is a promising therapeutic target for asthma.

High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a non-histone deoxyribonucleic acid-binding nuclear protein. In physiological state it is involved in gene transctioripn regulation and cell replication, differentiation and maturation. HMGB1 is actively secreted into the extracellular space in the form of intracellular vesicles, upon stimulation of inflammation and infection, by monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and other immune cells, and can also be passively released by necrotic or injured cells. After binding with the corresponding receptors, HMGB1 can activate the downstream substrate and trigger a series of biological effects. HMGB1 was mainly dependent on toll-like re ceptors (TLR) 2 and 4, and receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) to trigger intracellular signal transduction, and mediate innate and adoptive immune responses. Besides these, studies have reported the participation of TLR3, TLR9, T-cell immunoglobulin mucin (TIM) 3, CD24, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in Th2 inflammatory response, eosinophilic airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness, mediated by HMGB1 in asthma. Both clinical and experimental studies suggested that HMGB1 was involved in the pathogenesis of asthma probably by regulating the downstream signaling pathways via corresponding receptors. This article reviews the role of HMGB1 in pathogenesis of asthma, and provides a new theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma.