Abstract: The pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is complex, inflammation plays an important role in the pathological process of ARDS. Many studies have shown that high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and tolllike receptor 4 (TLR4), as inflammatory mediators, are important components in ARDS, which may become the therapeutic target of ARDS. This article reviews the role of HMGB1, TLR4 and HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway in the development of inflammation and the related treatment progression of ARDS.

Key words: HMGB1 protein, Toll-like receptor 4, respiratory distress syndrome, adult, acute lung injury, pathogenassociated molecular pattern molecules