HBP08 is a selective inhibitor of the CXCL12/HMGB1 interaction, which binds to HMGB1 (high mobility group box1) with a Kd of 0.8 µM. HMGB1 is a nonhistone nuclear protein, which acts as a DNA chaperone, contributing to gene transcription and DNA repair, and is released under stress conditions when it forms a heterocomplex with CXCL12. This heterocomplex acts on the chemokine receptor CXCR4, enhancing cell migration, and in some pathological conditions, exacerbating the immune response. HBP08 disruption of this heterocomplex can diminish excessive cell influx at inflammatory sites.
