Current challenges in understanding immune cell functions during septic syndromes

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a dynamic infectious disease syndrome characterized by dysregulated inflammatory responses. RESULTS: Despite decades of research, improvements in the treatment of sepsis have been modest. These limited advances are likely due, in part, to multiple factors, including substantial heterogeneity in septic syndromes, significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of how immune cells function in sepsis, and limitations in animal models that accurately recapitulate the human septic milieu. The goal of this brief review is to describe current challenges in understanding immune cell functions during sepsis. We also provide a framework to guide scientists and clinicians in research and patient care as they strive to better understand dysregulated cell responses during sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Additional, well-designed translational studies in sepsis are critical for enhancing our understanding of the role of immune cells in sepsis.