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Review
. 2025 Jul 31;14(15):5392.
doi: 10.3390/jcm14155392.

HMGB1 as a Key Modulator in Nasal Inflammatory Disorders: A Narrative Review

Desiderio Passali  1 , Luisa Maria Bellussi  1 , Mariaconsiglia Santantonio  2 , Giulio Cesare Passali  2
Affiliations
Review

HMGB1 as a Key Modulator in Nasal Inflammatory Disorders: A Narrative Review

Desiderio Passali et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background: High Mobility Group Box 1 is a mediator in inflammation, acting as a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule in various diseases. This review examines its role in nasal inflammatory disorders, such as chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Methods: A comprehensive review of recent literature was conducted using a refined PubMed search strategy, focusing on studies published from 2015 onward and targeting HMGB1's role in nasal inflammatory diseases. Results: HMGB1 emerges as a central factor in amplifying and modulating inflammatory responses through interactions with multiple receptors. It regulates cytokine production, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and tissue remodeling, particularly in eosinophilic CRS. While discrepancies in the literature highlight its context-dependent activity, therapeutic strategies like glycyrrhetinic acid and PPAR-γ agonists demonstrate potential in modulating its effects. Conclusions: HMGB1 represents a promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in nasal inflammatory diseases. However, due to its intrinsic nature and multiple localizations, much remains to be understood. It is precisely by reflecting on its role as an "inflammatory crossroads" that we aim to underscore the need for targeted translational research to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications of HMGB1.

Keywords: HMGB1; allergic rhinitis; chronic rhinosinusitis; glycyrrhizin; rhinitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of HMGB1 signaling pathways.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flowchart of the study selection process. The figure summarizes the literature search strategy, screening steps and the categories selected.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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