BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in the development and progression of diseases, including sepsis. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the role and underlying molecular mechanisms of lncRNA NEAT1 in sepsis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to analyze the expression of lncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), let-7b-5p, and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Western blot assay was used to measure the protein expression levels. After treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the biological behaviors of human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2), such as proliferation and apoptosis, were determined using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazol-3-ium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assays, respectively. The interaction relationship among NEAT1, TRAF6, and let-7b-5p was analyzed by the bioinformatics starBase database and dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS lncRNA NEAT1 was expressed at higher levels in kidney tissues from sepsis patients than in healthy kidney tissues. Interestingly, LPS induced high expression of lncRNA NEAT1 in HK-2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, silencing of NEAT1 weakened LPS-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and inhibition of proliferation, which was overturned by silencing of let-7b-5p. In addition, overexpression of TRAF6 abolished the overexpression of let-7b-5p-induced effects on apoptosis, inflammation, and growth of HK-2 cells exposed to LPS. In summary, NEAT1 regulated TRAF6 expression by sponging let-7b-5p in HK-2 cells, which promotes LPS-induced injury and inflammation in HK-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the lower expression of NEAT1 impeded sepsis development and LPS-induced injury inflammation by targeting let-7b-5p/TRAF6 axis, and NEAT1 may be a target for treatment of sepsis patients.