Models for the systemic inflammatory response to infection, which involve
the use of immunocompromised animals, and methods of using the models are
described. These models can be used in identifying analytes or biomarker
panels that can be used in staging or monitoring sepsis. The models can
also be used for predicting an animal's disease outcome or in providing a
prognosis for sepsis patients. Further, the invention relates to methods
for evaluating potential treatments for sepsis.