Critical Consequences of Neuro-Immune Crosstalk and Its Relevance to Sepsis

Grant number: 1186382 | Funding period: 2020 - 2023

Completed

Abstract

Sepsis, where severe infection causes systemic inflammation, has an alarming death rate. 1-2 days after the initial crisis, immune responses become depressed. A powerful reflex, activated by systemic inflammation, suppresses immune responses. Is this responsible for immunosuppression in sepsis? We will test this idea by cutting the reflex pathway in animals made septic with intravenous live E.coli. We will follow up by testing interventions that could be used on patients in the I.C.U.

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University of Melbourne Researchers