Abstract |
Severe sepsis and septic shock are still deadly conditions urging to develop novel therapies. A better understanding of the complex modifications of the immune system of septic patients is needed for the development of innovative immunointerventions. Natural killer (NK) cells are characterized as CD3(-)NKp46(+)CD56(+) cells that can be cytotoxic and/or produce high amounts of cytokines such as IFN-γ. NK cells are also engaged in crosstalks with other immune cells, such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. During the early stage of septic shock, NK cells may play a key role in the promotion of the systemic inflammation, as suggested in mice models. Alternatively, at a later stage, NK cells-acquired dysfunction could favor nosocomial infections and mortality. Standardized biological tools defining patients' NK cell status during the different stages of sepsis are mandatory to guide potential immuno-interventions. Herein, we review the potential role of NK cells during severe sepsis and septic shock.
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Authors | Laurent Chiche, Jean-Marie Forel, Guillemette Thomas, Catherine Farnarier, Fréderic Vely, Mathieu Bléry, Laurent Papazian, Eric Vivier |
Journal | Journal of biomedicine & biotechnology
(J Biomed Biotechnol)
Vol. 2011
Pg. 986491
( 2011)
ISSN: 1110-7251 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 21629707
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
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Topics |
- Animals
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural
(immunology, pathology)
- Mice
- Models, Immunological
- Sepsis
(immunology, pathology)
- Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
(immunology, pathology)
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