A bibliometric and visual analysis of research trends and hotspots in sepsis-related immunosuppression (2005-2025).

[BACKGROUND] Sepsis-induced immunosuppression is a major global healthcare challenge, and advancing related research is crucial for improving patient prognosis.

[METHOD] Relevant publications were sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, with additional verification conducted through the PubMed database. The analysis and visualization of the data were executed utilizing CiteSpace and VOSviewer.

[RESULTS] A total of 2633 documents were included, and the publishing volume showed a trend of "starting-rapid growth-platform period". The countries, institutions, journals, and researchers with the largest number of documents were the United States, INSERM, , and Guillaume Monneret. The journal was the most frequently cited, while Richard S. Hotchkiss emerged as the most frequently cited researcher. Research hotspots included immune cell failure post-sepsis, activation of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, the proliferation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, biomarker research, and the application of immunotherapy. Furthermore, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the mechanisms underlying immune cell apoptosis may be potential emerging topics in the field.

[CONCLUSION] This study provides a valuable reference for subsequent research endeavors. Future research should prioritize elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying immunosuppression, identifying reliable biomarkers, and developing effective therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis of patients with sepsis.