Figure 2.

Pro-inflammatory cascade in sepsis (adapted from the works of Angus and van der Poll [30] and Wiersinga and co-workers [31]. Infective agents release pattern associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) which are recognised by host immune cells via pattern recognition receptors both extra- and intracellularly. These cells also recognise damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPS) released by damaged host cells. In response, the immune cells release inflammatory cytokines, activating leucocytes which in turn release cytokines and reactive oxygen species, further promoting the inflammatory response, which can affect host cells as well as the invading pathogen.