Adoptive transfer of naïve dendritic cells in resolving post-sepsis long-term immunosuppression

Following initial episode of sepsis, survivors suffer an increased risk of mortality that persists long-term and remains a significant health care problem. Opportunistic infections and neoplasms are more frequent partially accounting for shorter life expectancy. This suggests that during sepsis the immune system becomes aberrant and is unable to restore its optimal function after the initial insult. Dendritic cells (DC) or their precursors are frequently affected during the initial episode of sepsis as well as after the resolution of symptom. Considering these cells’ pivotal role in regulating innate and acquired immune, they are promising candidates for therapeutic manipulation. Sepsis induces several changes in the populations of DCs via epigenetic, and/or other, mechanisms. Here, we propose that transplantation of ‘naive dendritic cells’ (DCs which are never exposed to sepsis) can reverse several aspects of the long-term post-sepsis immunosuppression. Furthermore, we present advantages of the presented therapeutic approach.