Myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD-2) is a co-receptor of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) for innate immunity. Here, we delineated a new mechanism of 1-dehydro-10-gingerdione (1D10G), one of pungent isolates from ginger (Zingiber officinale), in the suppression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced gene expression of inflammatory cytokines. 1D10G inhibited LPS binding to MD-2 with higher affinity than gingerol and shogaol from dietary ginger. Moreover, 1D10G down-regulated TLR4-mediated expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) or activating protein 1 (AP1)-target genes such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta, as well as those of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)-target IFN-beta gene and IFN-gamma inducible protein 10 (IP-10) in LPS-activated macrophages. Taken together, MD-2 is a molecular target in the anti-inflammatory action of 1D10G. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.