title: The role of natural killer cells in sepsis.
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.
authors.affiliation: Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Université de la Méditerranée UM 631, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille, France. laurent.chiche@ap-hm.fr
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chiche
authors.forename: Jean-Marie
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Forel
authors.forename: Guillemette
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Farnarier
authors.forename: Fréderic
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vely
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bléry
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Papazian
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vivier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D051379:Mice; D018448:Models, Immunological; D018805:Sepsis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*