[New therapeutic strategies for pulmonary infection: the potency of immune activation by macrolides and Toll-like receptor agonist].

The balance of "Host-Pathogen-Antimicrobials" is crucial for the establishment of infectious diseases. Recently the ineffective cases, even though the appropriate antibiotics use, have been increasing since the several ineludible problems are rising, such as varied patient's background and the epidemic of the drug resistant pathogens, etc. Despite of the medical progression and the development of novel antimicrobials, the mortality of pneumonia has increased gradually and been the third cause of death in Japan. The conventional treatment depended on only bactericidal effect of antimicrobials faces a limit and the alternative strategies are required to overcome the current situation. This review addresses the potency of non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents as an alternative therapeutic strategy, especially focused on the activation of the innate host immunity induced by the macrolides and toll-like receptor agonist.