Dr. Ben Lu

Programmed cell death (PCD) is essential for numerous biological processes, such as the development of organs, lymphocyte selection, and host defense against invasive microbes. Accumulated evidence reveal that excessive PCD importantly contributes to the pathogenesis of critical illness, including sepsis, heatstroke, severe viral infection, and cytokine shock syndrome. These life-threatening conditions characterized by multiple organ injuries are the major cause of death in hospital. This review focuses on the roles of PCD in different types of critical illness and the mechanisms by which PCD contributes to the pathogenesis of critical illness. We will also discuss the therapeutic potential of PCD targeting molecules for the treatment of sepsis, an infection-induced critical illness that accounts for more than 11 million deaths ever year in the world.