Stem cells
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Sepsis and septic shock are the leading cause of admission and mortality in non-coronary intensive care units. Currently, however, no specific treatments are available for this syndrome. Due to the failure of conventional treatments in recent years, research is focusing on innovative therapeutic agents, including cell therapy. ⋯ Indeed, their immunomodulatory properties, antimicrobial activity and capacity of protection against organ failure confer MSCs with a major advantage to treat the immune and inflammatory dysfunctions associated with sepsis and septic shock. After a brief description of the pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock, the latest advances in the use of MSCs to treat sepsis will be presented. Stem Cells 2017;35:2331-2339.