HMGB1 is an endogenous immune adjuvant released by necrotic cells.

Journal article

Immune responses against pathogens require that microbial components promote the activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Autoimmune diseases and graft rejections occur in the absence of pathogens; in these conditions, endogenous molecules, the so-called 'innate adjuvants', activate APCs. Necrotic cells contain and release innate adjuvants; necrotic cells also release high-mobility group B1 protein (HMGB1), an abundant and conserved constituent of vertebrate nuclei. Here, we show that necrotic HMGB1(-/-) cells have a reduced ability to activate APCs, and HMGB1 blockade reduces the activation induced by necrotic wild-type cell supernatants. In vivo, HMGB1 enhances the primary antibody responses to soluble antigens and transforms poorly immunogenic apoptotic lymphoma cells into efficient vaccines.

Authors: Rovere-Querini, P; Capobianco, A; Scaffidi, P; Valentinis, B; Catalanotti, F

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: EMBO reports
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 825-830
• Publication date: 2004-08-01
• DOI: 10.1038/sj.embor.7400205
• EISSN: 1469-3178
• ISSN: 1469-221X
• Language: English
• Keywords: Humans; Fibroblasts; Mice, Knockout; Necrosis; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Cell Line; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice; Antigens, CD; Dendritic Cells; HMGB1 Protein; Animals