The ability of multi-cellular organisms to mount a concerted response is an evolutionary advantage. In the case of bacterial challenges, the multicellular organism is tested by a diverse, complex and dynamic challenges, and must adapt its constitutive functions to repel the threat. In many cases, the response to the challenge is appropriate, the organism protected, and homeostasis is maintained. However, there are other situations in which the body s inflammatory response is seemingly inappropriate leading to detrimental affects and even death. As the saying goes it takes two to tango and while bacteria themselves can produce directly injurious enzymes and toxins, the host reaction to microbes and their products, can also have detrimental affects on the host. In addition, the inflammatory response can occur in response to other stimuli, such as oxidative stress, with equally disadvantageous outcomes for the host. Examples of the responses, to both bacteria and other inflammatory insults, are discussed in this volume. In addition, we present reviews of mechanisms by which the inflammatory response may be modulated either naturally, or by targeting of specific inflammatory molecules. Thus Chapters 1-3 present an introduction to bacterial infections and the molecular mechanisms of the inflammatory responses induced by pathogenic bacteria. Chapters 4 and 5 describe pathological conditions in which inflammatory responses may lead to severe, life threatening conditions. Finally, Chapters 6 and 7 discuss ways in which the inflammatory responses can be modulated.