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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

A Microphysiological System to Study Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Interaction during Inflammation
12:55

A Microphysiological System to Study Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Interaction during Inflammation

Published on: December 9, 2021

Leukocyte and endothelial cell interactions in sepsis: relevance of the protein C pathway

David E Joyce1, David R Nelson, Brian W Grinnell

  • 1Divisions of Clinical Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

Critical Care Medicine
|May 1, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The protein C pathway, including activated protein C (APC), modulates innate immune responses in sepsis by reducing leukocyte adhesion and inflammation. APC

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Sepsis Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Sepsis involves complex leukocyte and endothelial cell interactions.
  • The protein C pathway plays a critical role in regulating innate immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in sepsis.
  • To explore the anti-inflammatory role of the protein C pathway in innate immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of "activated protein C," "inflammation," "leukocyte adhesion," and "sepsis."
  • Analysis of clinical trial data (PROWESS trial, endotoxin trial).

Main Results:

  • Activated protein C (APC) exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties.
  • APC modulates leukocyte migration and endothelial cell adhesion molecules.
  • Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is found on innate immune cells, mediating APC effects.

Conclusions:

  • The protein C pathway coordinates innate immune responses in sepsis.
  • APC and EPCR suppress leukocyte adhesion and endothelial inflammation.
  • Further research is needed to define the full role of the protein C pathway in sepsis.
Abstract

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