Molecular Mechanisms of Plant-Pathogen Interactions: The Role of Effectors and Host Targets
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 48
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Plant-pathogen interactions are governed by a complex molecular dialogue. Plants employ a two-tiered innate immune system. The first layer recognizes conserved microbial patterns, triggering Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI). Successful pathogens counter this by secreting an arsenal of effector proteins into the host cell, which suppress PTI and promote disease (Effector-Triggered Susceptibility, ETS). In turn, plants have evolved intracellular Resistance (R) proteins that detect specific effectors or their activities, leading to a robust defense response called Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). This continuous co-evolutionary arms race drives diversification in both pathogen effectors and plant immune receptors. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of effector function, how they are perceived by the host, and the downstream signaling events they modulate is crucial for developing durable resistance strategies in agriculture.
The relentless battle between plants and their pathogens represents a fascinating paradigm of molecular co-evolution. At the heart of this interaction lies the interplay between the plant's innate immune system and the pathogen's arsenal of virulence factors, particularly effector proteins. This Special Issue, "Molecular Mechanisms of Plant-Pathogen Interactions: The Role of Effectors and Host Targets," seeks to compile cutting-edge research and insightful reviews that illuminate the intricate molecular dialogues defining plant disease and immunity. The evolutionary arms race is characterized by a layered defense system in plants. Surface-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) initiate immunity upon detecting microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). In response, pathogens deliver effector proteins into the host cell to suppress this first line of defense and manipulate host physiology. Plants have subsequently evolved intracellular nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptors that directly or indirectly recognize these effectors, triggering a hypersensitive response and conferring specific resistance. This issue will explore the diverse strategies employed by effectors to promote virulence, including their roles in disrupting signaling hubs, altering host gene expression, and suppressing programmed cell death. Concurrently, we welcome studies on the mechanisms of effector recognition, the structural basis of NLR activation, and the complex signaling networks downstream of both pattern-triggered and effector-triggered immunity. By dissecting these mechanisms, we aim to advance our fundamental understanding of plant-microbe interactions and contribute to the development of novel, sustainable crop protection solutions.
Dr. Muhammad Asif
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- plant immunity
- effector proteins
- pattern-triggered immunity (PTI)
- effector-triggered immunity (ETI)
- NLR receptors
- plant-microbe interactions
- susceptibility
- secreted virulence factors
- signal transduction
- host manipulation
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