Laura Alejandra Jiménez Hincapié

Dr. Laura Alejandra Jiménez Hincapié

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
19 June 2025 in Cells
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Jhan Sebastian Saavedra T.Jhan Sebastian Saavedra T.
Jhan Sebastian Saavedra T.
MPMaría Virginia Pinzón-Fernández
María Virginia Pinzón-Fernández
MPMartin Ocampo Posada
Martin Ocampo Posada
HNHumberto Alejandro Nati-Castillo
Humberto Alejandro Nati-Castillo
LHLaura Alejandra Jiménez Hincapié
Laura Alejandra Jiménez Hincapié
Juan S. Izquierdo-CondoyJuan S. Izquierdo-Condoy
Juan S. Izquierdo-Condoy
Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome characterized by a dysregulated immune response to infection, frequently leading to multiorgan failure and high mortality. Inflammasomes—cytosolic multiprotein complexes of the innate immune system—serve as critical platforms for sensing pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs). Key sensors such as NLRP3, AIM2, and IFI16 initiate caspase-1 activation, IL-1β and IL-18 maturation, and gasdermin D–mediated pyroptosis. In sepsis, excessive inflammasome activation drives oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, immunothrombosis, and immune exhaustion. This maladaptive cascade is further aggravated by the release of DAMPs and procoagulant factors, compromising vascular integrity and immune homeostasis. Prolonged activation contributes to immunoparalysis, lymphopenia, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. Inflammasome signaling also intersects with necroptosis and ferroptosis, amplifying systemic inflammation and tissue injury. Additionally, various pathogens exploit immune evasion strategies to modulate inflammasome responses and enhance virulence. Therapeutic interventions under investigation include selective NLRP3 inhibitors, IL-1 blockers, gasdermin D antagonists, and extracorporeal cytokine hemoadsorption. Emerging approaches emphasize biomarker-guided immunomodulation to achieve personalized therapy. While preclinical studies have shown promising results, clinical translation remains limited. Targeting inflammasomes may offer a path toward precision immunotherapy in sepsis, with potential to reduce organ dysfunction and improve survival.