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Published on: June 15, 2019
Targeting VISTA for immunomodulation in sepsis: mechanisms and therapeutic potentials
Baoji Hu1, Jiangbin Yan2, Wentao Ji2
1Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Immunology
|June 15, 2026
Summary
V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) plays a dual role in sepsis, initially reducing inflammation and later promoting immune suppression. Targeting VISTA offers a promising therapeutic strategy for sepsis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to dysregulated host response to infection.
- Immune system dysregulation is central to sepsis pathophysiology.
- V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is an immune checkpoint molecule with a key role in sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review VISTA's dynamic expression and immunoregulatory roles in sepsis.
- To synthesize evidence on VISTA's mechanisms in sepsis.
- To evaluate VISTA-targeted interventions for sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and critical appraisal of preclinical and clinical evidence.
- Analysis of VISTA expression profiles across sepsis stages.
- Evaluation of studies on VISTA-targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- VISTA exhibits stage-specific biphasic effects in sepsis.
- Early phase: VISTA may reduce hyperinflammation and preserve organ barriers.
- Late phase: Aberrant VISTA upregulation may drive immunosuppression and T cell hyporesponsiveness.
Conclusions:
- VISTA is a central regulator of the sepsis immunoregulatory network.
- Targeting VISTA presents a novel therapeutic avenue for sepsis.
- Precision immunomodulatory strategies targeting VISTA show therapeutic promise.
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