The Role of the Innate Immune System in Sepsis

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome characterized by activation of the host inflammatory system in response to infection. The initial phase, manifested by shock, fever, and hypermetabolism, is largely secondary to a hyperinflammatory state and is responsible for the classic signs and symptoms of early sepsis. This review focuses on the early events after infection, offering an overview of the innate immune response in the sepsis syndrome, and concludes with a discussion of immune-targeted therapies.