Hypothesis: Leukocyte Endogenous Mediator/Endogenous Pyrogen/Lymphocyte-Activating Factor Modulates the Development of Nonspecific and Specific Immunity and Affects Nutritional Status

We postulate that leukocyte endogenous mediatorendogenous pyrogenlymphocyte-activating factor LEMEPLAF integrates the hosts nonspecific and specific immune responses to infection by virtue of the panoply of physiological and metabolic activities it is capable of eliciting. The alterations in systemic metabolism modulated by LEMEPLAF, although apparently of value to the host in the defense against infection and the repair of tissue damage, result in negative nutrient balances. Severe infections, alone or in conjunction with injury, may result in malnutrition unless the patient is adequately nourished. Preexisting nutritional deficits can compromise host resistance to infection, in part by preventing production of LEMEPLAF. Additional studies of the sequelae of LEMEPLAF action and effects of nutrition on host resistance to infection appear warranted.