αDβ2 as a novel target of experimental polymicrobial sepsis

Since sepsis was defined three decades ago, it has been a target of intensive study. However, there is no specific sepsis treatment available, with its high mortality and morbidity. alpha D beta 2 (CD11d/CD18) is one of the four beta 2 integrin members. Its role in sepsis has been limitedly studied. Using an experimental polymicrobial sepsis model, we found that the deficiency of alpha D beta 2 was associated with less lung injury and better outcome, which was in sharp contrast to other beta 2 integrin member alpha L beta 2 (CD11a/CD18), and alpha M beta 2 (CD11b/CD18). This phenotype was supported by a reduction of bacterial loads in alpha D beta 2 knockout mice. Further analysis showed that the deficiency of alpha D beta 2 led to a reduction of neutrophil cell death as well as an increase in neutrophil phagocytosis in both murine and human systems. Our data showed a unique role of alpha D beta 2 among the beta 2 integrin members, which would serve as a potential target to improve the outcome of sepsis.

Automated summary

Since the definition of sepsis three decades ago, extensive research has been conducted on this condition. However, there is currently no specific treatment available for sepsis, which has high rates of mortality and morbidity. This study focused on examining the role of alpha D beta 2 (CD11d/CD18) integrin in sepsis, and found that its deficiency was associated with reduced lung injury and improved outcomes. This unique role of alpha D beta 2 among the beta 2 integrin members suggests its potential as a target for improving sepsis outcomes.