Researchers have made a significant breakthrough that can help with the treatment of sepsis, as reported by Interesting Engineering. 

The researchers have discovered the cells and molecules that could trigger death from sepsis. 

Cytokines are a broad group of small proteins that recruit other immune cells where the infection or injury is in the body. That said, they play a crucial role in immune response. However, when there is an uncontrolled production of cytokine, a cytokine storm may occur, which is associated with sepsis. 

A cytokine storm may occur during viral infections that can lead to multi-organ failure or death. Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is one of the most potent and most studied cytokine for almost 50 years now. 

TNF can induce tumor cells to die when the immune sysem is stimulated by Coley's toxin, an LPS that is known as the strongest trigger of TNF. 

The production of TNF should be regulated to avoid sustained inflammation of immune cells. Otherwise, it can lead to rheumatoid arthritis and other similar inflammatory conditions. 

Also read: Vitamin C Sepsis Treatment Cured Patients But Experts Warn Healthcare Workers Against It: Here's Why

What the Researchers Did

Researchers blocked TNF activity that treated several autoimmune diseases, thus the birth of TNF blockers. However, TNF blockers have been unsuccessful in preventing cytokine storm that may arise from COVID-19 infections and sepsis. 

There have been studies in mice that have shown neutralizing TNF can prevent death from bacterial LPS. However, researchers have yet to understand the reason for this discrepancy, yet this highlights the need to understand further how TNF contributes to sepsis. 

The researchers first identified the specific molecules that might offer protection from TNF-induced death. They injected mice with a lethal dose of TNF and found that the mice lacked TRIF or CD14, which are the proteins linked to immune responses to bacterial MPS but not TNF, had improved survival. 

Then, they tried to figure out which cells are involved in TNF-induced death. So, when they injected it in mice, the mice had reduced symptoms of sepsis and improved their survival. 

Hence, the results of the research suggest that TRIF and CD14 may be potential treatment targets for sepsis. 

To be clear, the results of this study should be taken with caution since it is based on animal study. Nevertheless, it offers a potential solution for the prevention of sepsis. 

Sepsis is a condition in which the immune system is destroying its own tissues and organs. A cytokine storm, which is an out of control immune response, is an important culprit for septic death. Hence, the findings of this study are significant as they offer a better understanding of the role of TNF in the immune response. 

This can help develop an effective treatment for those who suffer from sepsis. As of now, there is no specific medication that can be given to septic patient. 

Various experimental therapies based on cytokine inhibition have been attempted, with mixed results. However, using the right cytokine blockers could enhance the treatment of infections. 

This study shows that consider CD14 and TRIF as a potential treatment for sepsis. Hopefully, the results of this study can lead to the development of new therapeutic agents. 

Related article: Sepsis: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Of The Deadly Condition