Bacterial and viral infections, particularly infections caused by Herpes simplex, Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus (GBS)), Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli, are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in newborn infants. Newer antibiotics and antiviral drugs only partially address this challenge, since overwhelming infection is often present even before it is clinically recognized. The goal of improving earlier recognition, management, and outcomes requires better understanding of neonatal host defense mechanisms. Over the past decade, there has been an explosion of knowledge on humeral and innate immunity of the newborn and its importance to early response to infection. Knowledge on immunoglobulin, complement, cellular activation, interferon, interleukin, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, and the use of immunomodulators will likely lead to novel prevention strategies and improved outcomes. To start this process, a complete synthesis of the current status of the knowledge in this area is required to advance the insight into the newborn host response to life-threatening infections. We, thus, encourage authors to submit original papers or review articles that can address the issue of host defense against common early life-threatening infections. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Activation of immune response in human newborns
• Role of humeral factors in preventing or responding to bacterial or viral pathogens in early life
• Response of the newborn host to bacteria and viruses
• New approaches for prevention and treatment
• Antibody-mediated damage to bacteria and viruses in early life
• Immunomodulator agents that may be effective in newborn infants
• New or unique infectious agents in newborns
• Management approaches for neonatal infection based on new knowledge on host defense

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: