EV‐encapsulated MALAT1 induced the M1 polarization of macrophages by upregulating HMGB1 and activating the TLR4/NF‐κB signalling pathway. RAW264.7 cells were transduced with si‐MALAT1 and/or oe‐HMGB1 plasmids, and induced to M1 polarization after transfection for 24 h. A, Levels of iNOS, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in RAW264.7 cells. B, Levels of HMGB1, TLR4, NF‐κB and IKBa in RAW264.7 cells measured by Western blot analysis. RAW264.7 cells were treated with EVs from caerulein‐treated MPC‐83 cells and transduced with si‐HMGB1. C, Levels of iNOS, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in RAW264.7 cells. D, Levels of HMGB1, TLR4, NF‐κB and IKBa in RAW264.7 cells measured by Western blot analysis. * vs. RAW264.7 cells treated with EVs‐cell‐C + si‐NC or si‐NC +oe‐NC; # vs. RAW264.7 cells treated with EVs‐cell‐Tr +si‐NC. & vs. RAW264.7 cells treated with si‐MALAT1 + oe‐NC. *, # or & p < 0.05. **, ## or && p < 0.01. ***, ### or &&& p < 0.001. Data are shown as the mean ± standard errors