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Overactive immune response blocks itself

Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research discovered natural killer cells have optimal immune response balance, having less active NK cells during early stages of infection improves survival. The overproduction of interferon IFN-γ can block recruitment of neutrophilic granulocytes, leading to fatal sepsis.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateJul 26, 2013

Modeling sepsis in newborns

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have created a model to study sepsis in newborns, identifying diagnostic markers and potential treatments. The model has shown that even at the earliest hours of life, newborns can mount a robust inflammatory response to bacterial challenge.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2012

Novel drug candidates offer new route to controlling inflammation

Researchers have designed and tested molecules that can block or enhance aspects of the immune system's activity, offering a potential new treatment for inflammatory diseases. The breakthrough, published in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, uses a novel optimization-based approach to design peptides with unprecedented potency and precision.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 14, 2012

BUSM: Severe sepsis, new-onset AF associated with increased risk of hospital stroke, death

A recent study by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that severe sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation are associated with a higher risk of hospital stroke and death. Patients diagnosed with these conditions during hospitalization had three times the risk of stroke and a seven percent increased risk of mortality.

Smarter treatment for killer infections

Case Western Reserve University researchers found that manipulating Kruppel-like transcription factor 2 can improve survival rates during bacterial infection. The study reveals that boosting immune cells in the early stages of sepsis can cause harm, while curbing the defense system in later stages is crucial to prevent shock and death.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalImmunity·DateMay 12, 2011

The 'death switch' in sepsis also promotes survival

A recent study by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital has found that the protein RIP1 plays a dual role in sepsis, promoting both cell death and survival. The study suggests that RIP1 is necessary for survival during septic injury, and its pro-survival trigger may hold key to developing new treatments for sepsis.

SourceLifespan·JournalShock·DateFeb 2, 2011

Western diet exacerbates sepsis

A high-fat Western diet has been found to exacerbate the inflammatory response to sepsis, a condition of systemic bacterial infection. This increased inflammation can lead to severe outcomes, including higher mortality rates and more morbidity in obese patients.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Physiology·DateOct 18, 2010

Children's National research links platelets to sepsis-related organ failure

Scientists have identified platelets as a contributor to organ failure in patients with sepsis. The study found that granzyme B production in platelets can cause cell death, leading to organ failure. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to better treatments and potentially even prevention of organ failure.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 10, 2009