The results from our model simulations suggest that the key cause of immunosuppression in septic patients is lymphocyte exhaustion, and that an early onset of antibiotic treatment sequenced with an early treatment for blocking T cell exhaustion, such as PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockers, can concomitantly alleviate this undesirable effect and sepsis. The gene discussed is CD274; the disease is Sepsis.