The innate immune responses are the first line of defence against invading pathogens. According to the recent development and understanding of immune system, we now know that the importance of innate immunity in not less and somehow more pronounced than acquired immunity. This notion is based on the discovery of Germ-line-encoded receptors recognizing conserved molecular motifs from both exogenous and endogenous sources which are collectively called pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). PRRs can be broadly classified into different classes: Toll like receptors (TLRs), nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeatcontaining receptors (NLRs), retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), C-type lectins and inflammasome complexes are amongst them. The importance of PRRs in the field of veterinary immunology is beginning to emerge. Together these receptor families provide an extensive repertoire of sensors responsive to activating ligands from exogenous sources, such as pathogens and allergens, as well as endogenous danger signals. Receptor activation results in the initiation of a pro-inflammatory immune response that enables the resolution of infection. Understanding the inner workings of the innate immune system is a fundamental requirement in the search to understand the basis of health and disease in human and animals. The development of effective vaccines and adjuvants, the treatment of pathogenic infection, the generation of therapies for chronic and auto-inflammatory disorders, and the ongoing battle against cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis will all benefit from a greater understanding of innate immunity. The rate of knowledge acquisition in this area has been 33 12th International Congress of Immunology & Allergy of Iran outstanding. It has been underpinned and driven by the use of model organisms. Information obtained from genetically modified laboratory animals and through the use of forward genetics has resulted in discoveries that have opened our eyes to the functionality and complexity of the innate immune system. With the current increase in genomic information, the range of innate immune receptors and pathways of other species available to study is rapidly increasing, and provides a rich resource to continue the development of innate immune research. Here, I will address some of the highlights of cross-species study in the innate immune field and consider the benefits of widening our understandings and knowledge for the benefit of veterinary immunology.

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