Anest. intenziv. Med. 2025;36(3):175-181 | DOI: 10.36290/aim.2025.037

Immunomodulation in managing sepsis­‑induced immunosuppression: current options and challengesReview Article

Tomášková V.¹, Helán M.^{1, 2}

¹ Anesteziologicko­‑resuscitační klinika, Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny a Lékařská fakulta Masarykovy univerzity, Brno

² Mezinárodní centrum klinického výzkumu (ICRC), Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny a Lékařská fakulta Masarykovy univerzity, Brno

Despite progress in diagnosis and treatment, sepsis remains a significant challenge to the health care system globally. In recent decades, the level of knowledge in the field of sepsis has undergone a significant shift towards targeted therapy influencing the immune response in an attempt to dampen the early hyperinflammatory state but also to influence later immunoparalysis. Although this sepsis-induced immunosuppression has not been fully understood yet, it is evident that reduced functions of innate and adaptive immunity are associated with a worsened patient outcome. Based on this finding, several pharmacological approaches to immunostimulation are emerging to restore the immune balance of patients and to improve their prognosis. In the following text, we aim to provide a brief overview of current treatment options while highlighting the most significant challenges that may arise during the implementation of this therapy.

Keywords: sepsis, septic shock, immunomodulation, immunostimulation, check­‑point inhibitors, IL-7, immunosuppression, immunoparalysis.

Received: May 21, 2025; Revised: August 11, 2025; Accepted: August 18, 2025; Prepublished online: September 24, 2025; Published: September 30, 2025  Show citation