Unveiling the research advances of sepsis: pathogenesis, precise intervention and clinical perspective

Sepsis is a life-threatening multi-organ dysfunction caused by the dysregulated systemic inflammatory and immune responses in the host to an infection. Despite continuous advances in the treatment of sepsis, its high morbidity and mortality seriously challenge global public health. Symptomatic treatments are currently applied to sepsis patients, while precise treatments acting on the individualized etiological and pathogenic factors are scant. To address the issue, the present review aims to illustrate the pathogenic mechanisms of Gram-negative bacteria, the immune imbalance of co-existing continuous inflammation and immunosuppression, and the increased susceptibility resulting from the imbalanced gut microbiota. Moreover, we summarized the therapeutic strategies for sepsis and the development of precise treatment acting on sepsis patients' individualized subphenotypes and immune statuses. From the perspectives of etiological factors, pathogenesis, and precision treatment, we provide new insights into the future treatment of sepsis.