The role of programmed cell death in organ dysfunction induced by opportunistic pathogens

Crit Care. 2025 Jan 24;29(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s13054-025-05278-x.

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition resulting from pathogen infection and characterized by organ dysfunction. Programmed cell death (PCD) during sepsis has been associated with the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), impacting various physiological systems including respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, neurological, hematological, hepatic, and intestinal systems. It is well-established that pathogen infections lead to immune dysregulation, which subsequently contributes to MODS in sepsis. However, recent evidence suggests that sepsis-related opportunistic pathogens can directly induce organ failure by promoting PCD in parenchymal cells of each affected organ. This study provides an overview of PCD in damaged organ and the induction of PCD in host parenchymal cells by opportunistic pathogens, proposing innovative strategies for preventing organ failure in sepsis.

Keywords: Opportunistic pathogens; Organ failure; Programmed cell death; Sepsis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Multiple Organ Failure* / etiology
  • Multiple Organ Failure* / physiopathology
  • Opportunistic Infections / physiopathology
  • Sepsis* / complications
  • Sepsis* / physiopathology