High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein is an abundant nuclear protein that is released
outside the cell, upon immune activation or primary cell necrosis. In the extra-cellular space, HMGB1 acts
as a potent soluble factor that coordinates cellular events that are crucial for the amplification of
inflammation, establishment of early immune responses and tissue repair. HMGB1 is therefore considered
as the leading member of a subgroup of the Damage Associated Pattern Molecules named “Alarmins”.
Its critical position between innate and adaptive immunity targets HMGB1 is an important soluble factor
that may interfere with HIV-1 infection. Indeed, recent works from our laboratory and others brought
evidences for significant - although ambiguous - impact of HMGB1 on HIV-1 infection and/or expression.
This review will summarize the current understanding of this exciting molecule, before focusing on the
main data available in the literature regarding its relationship with HIV-1. Its potential role during AIDS
pathogenesis will be discussed.
