Description: The polyclonal antibody recognizes High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1), a nuclear non-histone chromatin binding protein that belongs to the HMG family. It is constitutively expressed by nucleated cells and regulates DNA transcription. HMGB-1 has also been found to play a role in innate immunity as an alarmin, or danger signal. It can be actively secreted by macrophages and dendritic cells in response to inflammatory stimuli or passive released by damaged or necrotic cells. In contrast, during apoptosis HMGB-1 remains sequestered in the nucleus via binding the chromatin irreversibly. In addition to its role as a DNA binding protein/transcription factor, it can also act similar to a cytokine playing a role in inflammation and proliferation. Signaling occurs through RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products), as well as TLR2 and 4, thereby mediating the maturation and chemotaxis of monocytes and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. High circulating levels of HMGB-1 have been observed in cases of cancer, trauma, or autoimmunity.
This polyclonal antibody recognizes mouse, canine and human HMGB1. Based on conservation, it is likely to also see other species.