Role of regulatory T-cells in the systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Abstract

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome is a complex multisyndromic, phase-specific pathological process that develops with systemic damage. Outcomes largely depend on the balance of multidirectional sequential stages: hyperinflammatory reaction and compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome (CARS). Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are able to regulate adaptive and innate immune responses and contribute to the various stages ofthe systemic inflammatory response syndrome. At the initial hyperinflammatory stage, Tregs are able to limit self-inflicted damage. At the same time, Tregs contribute to CARS and the formation of induced immunosuppression, predisposing to a high susceptibility to nosocomial and opportunistic infections, with subsequent transition to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Regulatory T-cells and their functional changes are considered as predictors and prognostic markers of critical illness.