Cutting-edge research sheds light on immune cell behavior and infectious disease control. A CRISPR-mouse model delineates macrophage regulatory networks in response to pathogens. Studies highlight the role of HO-1 in tumor-associated macrophage-driven chemotherapy resistance, presenting novel therapeutic targets. Innovative CRISPR-based diagnostics for tuberculosis enable low-resource setting applications. Additionally, discoveries of antimicrobial peptides, phages, and inhibitors unveil mechanisms against fungal and bacterial pathogens, including Candida auris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Such strides deepen understanding of immunity and infection management.