Setting the Scene -- Setting the Scene -- The Inflammatory Response -- Genetics and Severe Sepsis -- Cell Signaling Pathways of the Innate Immune System During Acute Inflammation -- Early-Onset Pro-inflammatory Cytokines -- The Significance of HMGB1, a Late-Acting Pro-inflammatory Cytokine -- Nitric Oxide -- Involvement of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in the Pathogenesis of Acute Lung Injury -- Heat Shock Proteins in Inflammation -- Fibrosis in the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome -- Resolution of Inflammation -- The Cellular Immune Respone -- Compartmentalized Activation of Immune Cells During Sepsis and Organ Dysfunction -- The Neutrophil in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome -- The Role of the Macrophage -- The Role of the Endothelium -- Differential Effects of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators on Alveolar Epithelial Barrier Function -- Mechanisms and Pathways of Dysfunction -- Macrocirculatory Disturbances -- The Microcirculation Is a Vulnerable Organ in Sepsis -- The Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway: Connecting the Mind and Body -- Coagulation in Sepsis -- The Role of Insulin and Blood Glucose Control -- Dysfunction of the Bioenergetic Pathway -- Metabolic Pathways -- Cell Death and Acute Lung Injury -- Mechanisms of Immunodepression after Central Nervous System Injury -- Organ-specific Mechanisms of Dysfunction -- Pulmonary Dysfunction -- The Gut -- Endogenous Danger Signals in Liver Injury: Role of High Mobility Group Box Protein-1 -- Sepsis-induced Acute Renal Failure and Recovery -- Sepsis-Induced Brain Dysfunction -- Myocardial Depression in Sepsis and Septic Shock -- Skeletal Muscle.