Sepsis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Sepsis, including details on septicemia, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment.

Activated cytotoxic T cells and NK cells in severe sepsis and septic shock and their role in multiple organ dysfunction.

Zeerleder S, Hack CE, Caliezi C, van Mierlo G, Eerenberg-Belmer A, Wolbink A, Wuillenmin WA

Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.

To evaluate the role of activated cytotoxic cells in patients with severe sepsis (n = 32) or septic shock (n = 8), direct (granzymes A and B) as well as indirect markers (cytokines) for cytotoxic cell activation were measured. Elevated IL-12p40 levels had been detected in 58% of the sepsis patients, whereas only a few had detectable TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, or IL-12p70 levels. Granzymes A and B levels were elevated in 42.5% and 22.5%, respectively. IL-12p40 inversely correlated with disease severity. Inflammatory parameters (IL-6) and coagulation markers were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in patients with elevated IL-12p40 and granzyme B levels, as compared to those with normal levels. Elevation of granzyme A directly correlated with the increase of apoptotic markers. Activated cytotoxic cells reflected by elevated granzymes A and/or B were found in 50% of our sepsis patients. This group showed a higher mortality and a worse organ function.

Published 4 July 2005 in Clin Immunol, 116(2): 158-65.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Sepsis Research Today. All Rights Reserved.