Posttraumatic Immune Response and Its Modulation

Following accidental trauma, an inflammatory response is induced involving hormonal, metabolic, and immunological mediators. This posttraumatic immune response is a physiological process required for tissue repair and regulation of the healing process. An overwhelming response after major trauma causes a disbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators resulting in complications like an increased susceptibility to infection, sepsis, and the Multiorgan-Dysfunction-Syndrome (MODS) [1]. Therefore, profound knowledge of this inflammatory response is a major interest in order to anticipate and control these potential posttraumatic complications.