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Lymphopenia in sepsis-an acquired immunodeficiency?
Simon Finfer1,2, Balasubramanian Venkatesh1,3, Richard S Hotchkiss4
1Critical Care Division, The George Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Immunology and Cell Biology
|December 5, 2022
Summary
Sepsis-induced lymphopenia, a common condition linked to higher mortality, requires further study. Understanding its mechanisms may lead to new host-directed therapies for critical infections.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Immunology
- Translational medicine
Background:
- Sepsis is a major global health concern with limited targeted therapies.
- Lymphopenia (low lymphocyte count) affects up to 52% of sepsis patients, correlating with increased mortality.
- Lymphopenia is also observed in severe COVID-19, indicating a link to critical illness outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the unknown mechanisms driving lymphopenia in sepsis.
- To explore the roles of lymphocyte apoptosis, cellular trafficking, and reduced lymphopoiesis.
- To identify potential targets for novel host-directed therapies in lymphopenic sepsis.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes applying advanced translational cellular and genomic medicine tools.
- Focus will be on understanding lymphocyte dynamics during critical infections.
- Mechanistic insights will be sought to explain lymphopenia in sepsis.
Main Results:
- Mechanisms of lymphopenia in sepsis are currently unknown.
- Lymphocyte apoptosis is implicated, but cellular trafficking and lymphopoiesis require further investigation.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatments.
Conclusions:
- Delineating the mechanisms of lymphopenia in sepsis can pave the way for effective host-directed therapies.
- Potential therapeutic strategies include recombinant cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, and small interfering RNA.
- Advances in translational medicine can help reduce the global burden of sepsis.
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