Control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection is dependent on recognition of bacilli by cells of the innate immune system in the lung and the subsequent generation of an acquired effector T lymphocyte response. Lipid moieties of M. tuberculosis are important stimulators of innate immunity mediated predominantly through recognition by Toll-like receptors. In this paper, we will discuss how the lipid composition of different clinical isolates (strains) of M. tuberculosis affect that strain's ability to direct innate immunity, and ultimately influence whether infection is controlled or active disease develops.