Background: Considerable research effort has focused on the development of novel therapies for the treatment of sepsis, yet after decades of clinical trials, few significant advances have been achieved. This limitation persists despite a wealth of data yielded by basic science that has expanded our knowledge of the biology of this disease exponentially.
Method: Review of the English-language literature.
Results: Translational researchers may address the resultant gap between the basic science laboratory and clinical research worlds. Herein, we review potential causes for the challenges of translating basic laboratory discovery into clinical benefit.
Conclusion: We propose conceptual platforms to further the development of translational sepsis research efforts.
Keywords: animal models; sepsis; translational science.