(A) NK cells initiate a local inflammatory response to pathogens. (B) During SIRS, NK cells amplify the inflammatory response to the spread of the pathogen, which can lead to organ dysfunction. (C) Deficient NK cell cytotoxicity may favor macrophage activation syndrome. (D) During CARS, NK cell global dysfunction may favor nosocomial infections. Note: SIRS and CARS have been separated in time to ease understanding of the figure, but the different stages (B–D) can occur simultaneously. Also, most data shown here are from mouse models and should be further confirmed in septic patients.
