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SUMMARY IL-17 cytokine production by the Th17 T-cell subset is regulated by intestinal commmensals. We show microbial colonization also regulates innate IL-17 production. A population of CD62L− γ/δ T cells, in particular a lineage expressing the IL-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1), can be quickly activated by microbes to produce IL-17. Antibiotic-treatment and monocolonization of mice suggest specific commensals—but not metronidazole-sensitive anaerobes like Bacteroides species—are required for maintaining IL-1R1+ γ/δ T cells. Signaling through the guanine nucleotide exchange factor VAV1 but not through Toll-like receptors or antigen presentation pathways is essential for inducing IL-1R1+ γ/δ T cells. Furthermore, IL-1R1+ γ/δ T cells are a potential source of IL-17 that can be activated by IL-23 and IL-1 in both infectious and noninfectious settings in vitro and in vivo. Thus, commensals orchestrate the expansion of phenotypically distinct γδ T cells and innate immunity is a three-way interaction between host, pathogens and microbiota.

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