The dynamic immune response in MODS. Children who experience an uncomplicated recovery (black bars) frequently demonstrate prompt resolution of systemic inflammation with mild and transient reduction in immune function. Children with complicated courses (gray bars) often have persistently high levels of systemic inflammation concomitant with markedly reduced immune function. *Elevations in levels of suppressor cells have been demonstrated in critically ill adults, but have not yet been found in children.
HLA - Human leukocyte antigen; IL – Interleukin; LPS – Lipopolysaccharide; Treg - Regulatory T cell; MDSC - Myeloid-derived suppressor cell, TNF - Tumor necrosis factor