A new era for innate immunity

In recent years our concept of the non-specific nature of innate immunity has changed following the identification of a network of germline-encoded receptors that recognise with substantial specificity molecular motifs of microorganisms and many other cues produced during tissue injury. Stimulation of these innate sensors by their specific ligands triggers signalling pathways that result in the activation of innate effector mechanisms as well as the priming of naive lymphocytes for the type of response that must be induced. These events culminate in the generation of an immune response appropriately adapted to the damage that has occurred. These new insights into innate immunity herald an entirely new era in the understanding of the molecular events that initiate and drive a host-protective response, changing many concepts about susceptibility to infections and providing greater insight into the underlying inflammatory pathology of other diseases. Targeted manipulation of innate immunity has enormous potential for the development of new vaccines and innovative therapies for the treatment of diseases such as infections, cancer, allergy, autoimmunity and autoinflammatory diseases. This article provides an overview of current trends in the field of innate immunity and its role in the control of infection and disease.