SAA does not induce cytokine production in physiological conditions

► Lipid free SAA, but not apoA-I or apoA-II, induce G-CSF in vitro. ► G-CSF secretion by lipid free SAA requires TLR2. ► Lipid free SAA, but not HDL-associated SAA induces cytokine production in vitro. ► Overexpression of SAA in SAA-deficient mice does not induce G-CSF. ► SAA-containing AP HDL can protect against LPS-induced inflammation.