Here, Hitesh S. Deshmukh et al. report that in neonates, establishment of the intestinal microbiota is associated with neutrophil development. Antibiotic-treated and germ-free mice have reduced numbers of neutrophils and are susceptible to Escherichia coli K1 and Klebsiella pneumoniae sepsis. Reconstitution of the intestinal microbiota promotes interleukin-17 production by innate lymphoid cells and increases plasma granulocyte colony–stimulating factor levels, granulocytosis and host resistance to sepsis.
- Hitesh S Deshmukh
- Yuhong Liu
- G Scott Worthen
