Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense against pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. It is a non-specific immune response that is present from birth and does not require prior exposure to a pathogen to be activated. Innate immunity includes physical barriers such as skin and mucous membranes, as well as cellular and molecular components such as phagocytes, natural killer cells, and complement proteins that help to identify and eliminate pathogens. This research area focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which the innate immune system recognizes and responds to pathogens, and how these responses can be modulated to enhance immune defense against infection.