TLR2 in γδ T cells is required for metabolic support of IL-17A ocular mucosal immune response to a commensal bacterium [RNA-seq]

The ocular surface is colonized by commensal microbiota, which tune the local mucosal immune response. However, the mechanisms underlying the induction of an IL-17 response by γδ T cells in response to ocular commensal bacteria, particularly Corynebacterium mastitidis (C. mast), have not been fully investigated. Here, we demonstrated that intrinsic TLR2 activation in γδ T cells by commensal microbiota is required for their IL-17A production and fatty acid oxidation. We also identified IκBζ, a transcription factor whose expression is upregulated by TLR2 signaling, as a key regulator to enhance the expression of genes responsible for IL-17A production and FAO program. This study highlights the role of TLR2-mediated transcriptional regulation in targeting effector cytokines and metabolic programs to support IL-17A responses to commensal bacteria.