Exercise therapy to reverse sepsis-induced immune suppression

Sepsis is a serious and life-threatening condition that arises from infections. Although medical advances have reduced the mortality rates of sepsis, many survivors have a weakened immune system and are at a higher risk for subsequent infections. Exercise represents a powerful tool to recover the immune system and reduce post-sepsis hospitalization. Through my research, I will explore how exercise impacts the immune system of sepsis survivors by specifically investigating immune cells called myeloid cells, which become dysfunctional following sepsis. Initial results in a mouse model of sepsis have found that four weeks of exercise improves survival to a subsequent lung infection due, in part, to restoration of immune system function and that female mice respond differently to sepsis than male mice. To understand this better, I will investigate how exercise changes immune cells and differences between sexes. In collaboration with an ongoing clinical trial in sepsis survivors, I will explore whether molecular changes in immune cells are present in human patients. Overall, my proposed research will lead to more effective exercise treatments for sepsis survivors to improve their quality of life and return back to health.