Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a heterodimeric transcription complex which plays a crucial role in cellular adaptation to low oxygen availability. In the last years there has been increasing evidence about the role of this factor in inflammatory/innate immune reactions. It has also been found to contribute to different types of allergic inflammation. In this review the current knowledge about the accumulation and role of HIF-1 in Toll-like receptor-mediated and allergic inflammation is summarized. Differential biochemical mechanisms employed to stabilize the protein in different cases are discussed.