Diseases of the respiratory tract are among the leading causes of death in the world
population. Increasing evidence points to a key role of the innate immune system with its …

Microbial infection initiates complex interactions between the pathogen and the host.
Pathogens express several signature molecules, known as pathogen-associated molecular …

Microbial challenges to the host initiate an array of defense processes through the activation
of innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity consists of sensors or pattern-recognition …

Acute lung injury (ALI) that clinically manifests as acute respiratory distress syndrome is
caused by an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response resulting from clinical events …

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) comprise a clan of proteins involved in identification and triggering
a suitable response against pathogenic attacks. As lung is steadily exposed to multiple …

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against virus infection that triggers the
expression of type I interferon (IFN) and proinflammatory cytokines. Pattern recognition …

By virtue of its direct contact with the environment, the lung is constantly challenged by
infectious and non-infectious stimuli that necessitate a robust yet highly controlled host …

Bacteraemia and viraemia are characterised by pathogens entering the bloodstream.
Endothelial cells are among the first cells coming into contact with the microbes and also …

Infection of cells by microorganisms activates the inflammatory response. The initial sensing
of infection is mediated by innate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which include Toll …

The airway epithelium represents the first point of contact for inhaled foreign organisms. The
protective arsenal of the airway epithelium is provided in the form of physical barriers and a …