The Journal of Immunology, May 1, 2008 The journal features research conducted by UTMB's Anthony Etogo, Jesus Nunez, Cheng Lin, Tracy Toliver-Kinsky and Edward Sherwood. Evidence suggests that NK and NKT cells contribute to inflammation and mortality during septic shock caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). However, the specific contributions of these cell types to the pathogenesis of CLP-induced septic shock have not been fully defined. The goal of the present study was to determine the mechanisms by which NK and NKT cells mediate the host response to CLP. Control, NK cell-deficient, and NKT cell-deficient mice underwent CLP. This study provided new insights into the mechanisms used by NK cells to facilitate acute inflammation during septic shock.