Proteomic profiling and pathway analyses reveal molecular signatures and immune networks in pediatric sepsis

Pediatric sepsis is characterized by dysregulation of multiple immune and inflammatory pathways rather than isolated protein abnormalities. IL-10 and related cytokine signaling emerged as central nodes, providing insights into the balance between hyperinflammation and immunosuppression in critically ill children. Associations between pathways and clinical variables suggest that specific pathogen types and infection sources trigger distinct patterns of biological network activation, offering potential targets for patient stratification and pathway-directed therapeutics.