Sepsis is a multi-stage, life-threatening condition that arises when the body has to fight a severe infection that has spread throughout the circulatory system and to the organs. In its most severe form, sepsis can produce cardiovascular collapse and death within hours. Often, it leads to a progressive multiple organ failure that results from widespread blood clot formation and loss of blood flow.

Despite important strides made in understanding sepsis, the related morbidity and mortality rates remain high. Our group aims to investigate bacterial sepsis and to find molecular mechanisms that are dysregulated in the presence of the bacteria or bacterial components in the bloodstream. We are testing new therapies that would prevent or reduce the formation of blood clots during sepsis, which could ultimately prevent organ failure and death.