The Toll-Like Receptor 2 Pathway Establishes Colonization by a Commensal of the Human Microbiota
California Institute of Technology · University of Chicago · +1 more institution
Abstract
Mucosal surfaces constantly encounter microbes. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate recognition of microbial patterns to eliminate pathogens. By contrast, we demonstrate that the prominent gut commensal Bacteroides fragilis activates the TLR pathway to establish host-microbial symbiosis. TLR2 on CD4(+) T cells is required for B. fragilis colonization of a unique mucosal niche in mice during homeostasis. A symbiosis factor (PSA, polysaccharide A) of B. fragilis signals through TLR2 directly on Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells to promote immunologic tolerance. B. fragilis lacking PSA is unable to restrain T helper 17 cell responses and is defective in niche-specific mucosal colonization. Therefore, commensal bacteria…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 52.41
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 28
Authors
7Topics & keywords
- Bacteroides fragilis
- Biology
- Colonization
- Commensalism
- TLR2
- Microbiology
- Niche
- Immune system
- Zero hunger