T helper type 17 (TH17) responses are crucial for immunity to intestinal pathogens. Here, Stephen E. Girardin, Dana J. Philpott and their colleagues report that early production of IL-17A by enteric CD4+ T helper cells is important for host defense against Citrobacter and Salmonella infection. Induction of IL-17A is dependent on Nod-like receptors. suggesting early, innate TH17 responses are involved in controlling enteric pathogens and may have a role in inflammatory bowel disease.
- Kaoru Geddes
- Stephen J Rubino
- Stephen E Girardin
