Implications of Protein Posttranslational Modifications in Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Sepsis, a complex clinical syndrome, is characterized by the body's excessive response to infection, which triggers systemic inflammation. The lungs are the most vulnerable organs in patients with this disease, leading to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as common complications of sepsis. These complications significantly increase the risk of death for patients, profoundly affect their prognosis, and impose significant burdens on public health. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins play a critical role in regulating protein solubility, activity, stability, and mediating protein-protein interactions. Any changes in homeostasis in the body can affect cellular function by altering PTMs, thereby promoting the development of ALI/ARDS. This review focuses on several validated PTMs and explores their specific mechanisms of action in sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS. We hope to provide novel insights for understanding the occurrence and development of the disease by summarizing existing research results and to provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of diagnosis and treatment strategies. Furthermore, future research directions will be discussed with the goal of advancing targeted therapies against PTMs to enhance clinical outcomes for patients suffering from sepsis.