This Editor’s Choice Collection highlights key JoVE articles showcasing practical methods for studying infection, immunity, and host–pathogen interactions. These studies present foundational techniques for evaluating innate immune responses, including assays for caspase activation, culture of primary macrophages, and quantification of neutrophil extracellular trap components. The collection also features versatile infection and inflammation models, as well as pathogen-focused analytical approaches. Together, these protocols offer a concise yet powerful toolkit for researchers investigating infectious processes across diverse systems.