Shikonin inhibits myeloid differentiation protein 2 to prevent LPS‐induced acute lung injury

Background and Purpose Acute lung injury (ALI) is a challenging clinical syndrome, which manifests as an acute inflammatory response. Myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) has an important role in mediating LPS‐induced inflammation. Currently, there are no effective molecular‐based therapies for ALI or viable biomarkers for predicting the severity of disease. Recent preclinical studies have shown that shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone, prevents LPS‐induced inflammation. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms.