How Rice Fight Back with Immune Superpowers

This research article explores a plant immune network in rice, focusing on the ROD1 protein's role in regulating immune homeostasis. The study identifies OsTIR, a TIR-only protein, as a key component of this network, showing that it produces signaling molecules that activate an immune complex (EPA). ROD1 directly interacts with and inhibits OsTIR, preventing excessive immune responses. Genetic experiments confirm the importance of EPA components in both pattern-triggered and effector-triggered immunity. Finally, the researchers present the cryo-EM structure of the EPA complex, revealing how the signaling molecules activate this crucial immune module. Source: Yue Wu et al. ,A canonical protein complex controls immune homeostasis and multipathogen resistance.Science386,1405-1412(2024).DOI:10.1126/science.adr2138