Advances in the Study of Immunosuppressive Mechanisms in Sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening disease caused by a systemic infection that triggers a dysregulated immune response. Sepsis is an important cause of death in intensive care units (ICUs), poses a major threat to human health, and is a common cause of death in ICUs worldwide. The pathogenesis of sepsis is intricate and involves a complex interplay of pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms that can lead to excessive inflammation, immunosuppression, and potentially long-term immune disorders. Recent evidence highlights the importance of immunosuppression in sepsis. Immunosuppression is recognized as a predisposing factor for increased susceptibility to secondary infections and mortality in patients. Immunosuppression due to sepsis increases a patient’s chance of re-infection and increases organ load. In addition, antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and organ support therapy have limited impact on the prognosis of septic patients. Therapeutic approaches by suppressing excessive inflammation have not achieved the desired results in clinical trials. Research into immunosuppression has brought new hope for the treatment of sepsis, and a number of therapeutic approaches have demonstrated the potential of immunostimulatory therapies. In this article, we will focus on the mechanisms of immunosuppression and markers of immune monitoring in sepsis and describe various targets for immunostimulatory therapy in sepsis.

Keywords:

• sepsis
• hyperinflammation
• immunosuppression
• immune cell

Data Sharing Statement

This is a narrative review based on published data.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grants from the Department of Science and Technology of Liaoning Province (2021JH2/10300107) and Department of Education of Liaoning Province (JC2019015).

Author Contributions

XF: design, text, ZL: design, YW: design, text revision, and final approval. All authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; agreed to submit to the current journal; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no competing interests in this work.

Additional information

Funding

Funding was supported by grants from the Department of Science and Technology of Liaoning Province (2021JH2/10300107) and Department of Education of Liaoning Province (JC2019015).