Plant immune system

The plant immune system is a sophisticated, multi-layered surveillance and defense network evolved to protect plants against diverse pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and oomycetes [Jones & Dangl, 2006, Nature]. It operates through two primary recognition tiers: Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI), which utilizes cell-surface Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) to detect conserved microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI), which uses intracellular Nucleotide-binding Leucine-rich Repeat (NLR) receptors to detect pathogen-secreted effectors [Cui et al., 2015, Annu Rev Plant Biol]. Upon detection, these receptors initiate signaling cascades involving mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and transcriptional reprogramming to halt pathogen ingress [Ngou et al., 2021, Nature]. In the context of agriculture, this system is targeted by 'plant activators' or elicitors, such as Acibenzolar-S-methyl, which induce Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) to provide broad-spectrum protection [Görlach et al., 1996, Plant Cell]. While critical for crop health, manipulating the plant immune system is challenging due to the 'growth-defense trade-off,' where redirected energy toward defense can reduce plant biomass and yield [Huot et al., 2014, Mol Plant].

Other names

Plant innate immunityPattern-triggered immunity (PTI)Effector-triggered immunity (ETI)Systemic acquired resistance (SAR)Plant defense system

Induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR), activation of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, and priming of defense signaling pathways.