Innate immunity is the first line of defense against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Of which, the innate immune system is formed of physical barriers (e.g., epithelium, mucosa, mucus), immune cells (neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, natural-killer cells, MAIT cells, etc.), receptors (toll-like receptors, CLRs, RLRs, NLRs, ALRs, cytosolic DNA sensors, etc.), and humoral components (circulating complement system proteins, cytokines, chemokines, antimicrobial peptides, etc.). The knowledge of these immune components has been acquired by studying a variety of organisms, including insects, fish, and rodents. Toll-like receptors were first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster.

In vivo imaging of zebrafish and their transparent offspring has provided novel insights into human infectious diseases. Murine models have been used to study many aspects of innate immunity. The innate immune homeostasis relies on different factors, such as host microbiota and genetic and epigenetic mechanisms.

Defective immune activation can lead to autoinflammatory or autoimmune reactions while sustained innate immunity activation can trigger or aggravate several pathological conditions.

On the other hand, weak signals impair the host's defense against pathogens. Thus, efforts have been made to develop effective therapeutic approaches for innate immunity-related disorders.

This Research Topic welcomes original research, methods, and review articles covering, but not limited to, the latest and most significant discoveries on:

• Drosophila as a genetic tool to investigate innate immunity mechanisms;
• Fish models to study innate immune regulation;
• Mechanisms of innate immune regulation in mammals;
• Gut microbiota and innate immunity regulation;
• Epigenetic regulation of innate immunity;
• Organ-specific regulation of innate immune responses;
• Novel therapeutic strategies targeting innate immunity and diseases.

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Frontiers in Immunology

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