Fig. 7.

An illustrative diagram summarizing the dynamic programming of neutrophils by super-low dose LPS. Low dose LPS activates ERK and neutrophil NET formation. Together with other tolerant effects in other cells such as monocytes/macrophages, low dose LPS pre-conditioning offers protection to subsequent sepsis challenge. In contrast, this work reveals that super-low dose LPS significantly suppresses ERK and NET formation in neutrophils. This dynamic switch in signaling may exacerbate sepsis mortality. Restoration of this switch may serve as a potential future therapeutic target for the prevention or treatment of sepsis.