The immuno-inflammatory cascade

Severe sepsis complicated by multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a major cause of death in intensive care units, with a mortality rate in excess of 50 %. The outcome is determined not only by the infection but also by the intensity of the immunoinflammatory response. This response is essential for the resolution of infection but may occur in an uncontrolled manner causing damage to the host. The pronounced synergy and interaction of the components of the immune system dictate that modulation may result in either immunostimulation or immunosuppression. Coordination of the host immune response to infection and inflammation in terms of expression of the effector molecules is vital to an optimum response