Advances in sepsis research: Insights into signaling pathways, organ failure, and emerging intervention strategies

Abstract

Sepsis is a complex syndrome resulting from an aberrant host response to infection. A hallmark of sepsis is the failure of the immune system to restore balance, characterized by hyperinflammation or immunosuppression. However, the net effect of immune system imbalance and the clinical manifestations are highly heterogeneous among patients. In recent years, research interest has shifted from focusing on the pathogenicity of microorganisms to the molecular mechanisms of host responses which is also associated with biomarkers that can help early diagnose sepsis and guide treatment decisions. Despite significant advancements in medical science, sepsis remains a major challenge in healthcare, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Further research is needed to improve our understanding of this condition and develop novel therapies to improve outcomes for patients with sepsis. This review explores the related signal pathways of sepsis and underscores recent advancements in understanding its mechanisms. Exploration of diverse biomarkers and the emerging concept of sepsis endotypes offer promising avenues for precision therapy in the future.