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Burton RJ, Raffray L, Moet LM, Cuff SM, White DA, Baker SE, Moser B, O’Donnell VB, Ghazal P, Morgan MP, Artemiou A, Eberl M. Conventional and unconventional T-cell responses contribute to the prediction of clinical outcome and causative bacterial pathogen in sepsis patients. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 216:293-306. [PMID: 38430552 PMCID: PMC11097916 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is characterized by a dysfunctional host response to infection culminating in life-threatening organ failure that requires complex patient management and rapid intervention. Timely diagnosis of the underlying cause of sepsis is crucial, and identifying those at risk of complications and death is imperative for triaging treatment and resource allocation. Here, we explored the potential of explainable machine learning models to predict mortality and causative pathogen in sepsis patients. By using a modelling pipeline employing multiple feature selection algorithms, we demonstrate the feasibility of identifying integrative patterns from clinical parameters, plasma biomarkers, and extensive phenotyping of blood immune cells. While no single variable had sufficient predictive power, models that combined five and more features showed a macro area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 to predict 90-day mortality after sepsis diagnosis, and a macro AUC of 0.86 to discriminate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections. Parameters associated with the cellular immune response contributed the most to models predictive of 90-day mortality, most notably, the proportion of T cells among PBMCs, together with expression of CXCR3 by CD4+ T cells and CD25 by mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. Frequencies of Vδ2+ γδ T cells had the most profound impact on the prediction of Gram-negative infections, alongside other T-cell-related variables and total neutrophil count. Overall, our findings highlight the added value of measuring the proportion and activation patterns of conventional and unconventional T cells in the blood of sepsis patients in combination with other immunological, biochemical, and clinical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross J Burton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Adult Critical Care, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Loïc Raffray
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Internal Medicine, Félix Guyon University Hospital of La Réunion, Saint Denis, Réunion Island, France
| | - Linda M Moet
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Simone M Cuff
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Daniel A White
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sarah E Baker
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Bernhard Moser
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Valerie B O’Donnell
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Ghazal
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Matt P Morgan
- Adult Critical Care, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andreas Artemiou
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Information Technologies, University of Limassol, 3025 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Matthias Eberl
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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2
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Pu X, Bu W, Qin Y, Wang C, Xu L, Fang M, Ji Q, Wang H, Shao M. Activation and functional modification of mucosal-associated invariant T cells in patients with intracranial infection following craniotomy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111699. [PMID: 38377855 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Intracranial infections are among the most common complications of neurosurgery, with their incidence remaining high despite advancements in current neurosurgical techniques and aseptic technology. While the role of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a subset of innate-like T lymphocytes, in bacterial defense is well-established, their involvement in intracranial infections remains unclear. In this study, we utilized flow cytometry to assess the phenotype and function of circulating and CSF MAIT cells. Our findings revealed that MAIT cells were higher in the CSF compared to blood. Notably, a higher percentage of IL-17A + MAIT cells was detected in the CSF of patients with intracranial infections. Moreover, markers indicating activation and exhaustion were significantly upregulated in CSF MAIT cells. Furthermore, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-12, and IL-18, were detected in the CSF supernatants. We hypothesized that the elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-12, and IL-18 in the inflammatory milieu synergistically activate MAIT cells in the CSF. In particular, CD25 and Tim-3 expression of MAIT cells was increased by stimulation with IL-1β, IL-12, and IL-18 or CSF supernatants of intracranial infection patients. Collectively, these findings provide important information underlying the innate immune response of patients with intracranial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexue Pu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Bu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Qin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Cui Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Lunbing Xu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ming Fang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qiang Ji
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Min Shao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Santacroce E, D'Angerio M, Ciobanu AL, Masini L, Lo Tartaro D, Coloretti I, Busani S, Rubio I, Meschiari M, Franceschini E, Mussini C, Girardis M, Gibellini L, Cossarizza A, De Biasi S. Advances and Challenges in Sepsis Management: Modern Tools and Future Directions. Cells 2024; 13:439. [PMID: 38474403 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sepsis, a critical condition marked by systemic inflammation, profoundly impacts both innate and adaptive immunity, often resulting in lymphopenia. This immune alteration can spare regulatory T cells (Tregs) but significantly affects other lymphocyte subsets, leading to diminished effector functions, altered cytokine profiles, and metabolic changes. The complexity of sepsis stems not only from its pathophysiology but also from the heterogeneity of patient responses, posing significant challenges in developing universally effective therapies. This review emphasizes the importance of phenotyping in sepsis to enhance patient-specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Phenotyping immune cells, which categorizes patients based on clinical and immunological characteristics, is pivotal for tailoring treatment approaches. Flow cytometry emerges as a crucial tool in this endeavor, offering rapid, low cost and detailed analysis of immune cell populations and their functional states. Indeed, this technology facilitates the understanding of immune dysfunctions in sepsis and contributes to the identification of novel biomarkers. Our review underscores the potential of integrating flow cytometry with omics data, machine learning and clinical observations to refine sepsis management, highlighting the shift towards personalized medicine in critical care. This approach could lead to more precise interventions, improving outcomes in this heterogeneously affected patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Santacroce
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Miriam D'Angerio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Alin Liviu Ciobanu
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Linda Masini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Domenico Lo Tartaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Irene Coloretti
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Busani
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Ignacio Rubio
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Marianna Meschiari
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Erica Franceschini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Mussini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Girardis
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Lara Gibellini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Cossarizza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Sara De Biasi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Davies K, McLaren J. Destabilisation of T cell-dependent humoral immunity in sepsis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:65-85. [PMID: 38197178 PMCID: PMC10781648 DOI: 10.1042/cs20230517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Sepsis is a heterogeneous condition defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. For some, sepsis presents as a predominantly suppressive disorder, whilst others experience a pro-inflammatory condition which can culminate in a 'cytokine storm'. Frequently, patients experience signs of concurrent hyper-inflammation and immunosuppression, underpinning the difficulty in directing effective treatment. Although intensive care unit mortality rates have improved in recent years, one-third of discharged patients die within the following year. Half of post-sepsis deaths are due to exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, whilst half are due to complications arising from a deteriorated immune system. It has been suggested that the intense and dysregulated response to infection may induce irreversible metabolic reprogramming in immune cells. As a critical arm of immune protection in vertebrates, alterations to the adaptive immune system can have devastating repercussions. Indeed, a marked depletion of lymphocytes is observed in sepsis, correlating with increased rates of mortality. Such sepsis-induced lymphopenia has profound consequences on how T cells respond to infection but equally on the humoral immune response that is both elicited by B cells and supported by distinct CD4+ T follicular helper (TFH) cell subsets. The immunosuppressive state is further exacerbated by functional impairments to the remaining lymphocyte population, including the presence of cells expressing dysfunctional or exhausted phenotypes. This review will specifically focus on how sepsis destabilises the adaptive immune system, with a closer examination on how B cells and CD4+ TFH cells are affected by sepsis and the corresponding impact on humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Davies
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, U.K
| | - James E. McLaren
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, U.K
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