Kate Stacey’s research interest is pathogen receptors of the innate immune system, especially those mediating responses to foreign DNA. Her early work revealed two pathways of macrophage response to introduced DNA. She pioneered work on macrophage activation by bacterial (“CpG”) DNA, recognised via toll-like receptor 9 in the endosomal system. Her recent work on pathways of recognition of DNA in the cytosol, which elicit inflammasome activation and interferon- expression has led to a wider interest in inflammasome function. She is currently investigating the relevance of these responses in autoimmunity and viral infections.