The immunology of sepsis

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to an infection. This recently implemented definition does not capture the heterogeneity or the underlying pathophysiology of the syndrome, which is characterized by concurrent unbalanced hyperinflammation and immune suppression. Here, we review current knowledge of aberrant immune responses during sepsis and recent initiatives to stratify patients with sepsis into subgroups that are more alike from a clinical and/or pathobiological perspective, which could be key for identification of patients who are more likely to benefit from specific immune interventions.

Automated summary

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by infection-induced organ dysfunction, characterized by unbalanced hyperinflammation and immune suppression. Current research aims to stratify sepsis patients into more similar subgroups to better identify those who are likely to benefit from specific immune interventions.