Hmgi antibody for treating inflammatory conditions

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method for treating a condition characterized by HMG1-mediated activation of the inflammatory cytokine cascade, comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising an antagonist of high mobility group 1 (HMG1) protein, wherein the amount of the antagonist is effective to inhibit HMG1-mediated activation of the inflammatory cytokine cascade, and wherein the HMG1 antagonist is selected from an antibody that specifically binds to HMG1, an antigen-binding fragment of said antibody, or an HMG1 antisense sequence, wherein the HMG1 comprises an antigenic fragment of SEQ ID NO: 4. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising administering a second agent in combination with the HMG1 antagonist, wherein the second agent is an antagonist of an early sepsis mediator. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the second agent is an antagonist of a cytokine selected from the group consisting of TNF (tumor necrosis factor), IL-1α, IL-1β, MIF and IL-6. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the second agent is an antibody to TNF or MIF or an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra).