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A fungal pathogen manipulates phytocytokine signaling for plant infection

Author

Listed:
  • Chenlei Hua

    (Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen)

  • Lisha Zhang

    (Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen)

  • Annick Stintzi

    (University of Hohenheim)

  • Andreas Schaller

    (University of Hohenheim)

  • Hui-Shan Guo

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Thorsten Nürnberger

    (Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen)

Abstract

Phytocytokines, hormone-like plant peptides, play crucial roles in immune regulation and development. Phytosulfokine (PSK), known to mediate plant growth, also modulates plant pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). Here, we demonstrate that VdSCP8, a small cysteine-containing effector from Verticillium dahliae, functions as a virulence-promoting protein that suppresses PTI in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. Apoplastic SCP8 suppresses immune activation mediated by leucine-rich repeat ectodomain pattern recognition receptors. SCP8 virulence and immunosuppressive activities require PHYTOSULFOKINE RECEPTOR 1 (PSKR1), which binds PSK and forms a complex with co-receptor BAK1 to suppress PTI. Our findings underscore SCP8’s role in PTI suppression, facilitating PSKR1-BAK1 complex formation and promoting PSK accumulation through a plant subtilase. These results highlight how a multi-host plant pathogen manipulates PTI through enhancing immunosuppressive PSK signaling.

Suggested Citation

  • Chenlei Hua & Lisha Zhang & Annick Stintzi & Andreas Schaller & Hui-Shan Guo & Thorsten Nürnberger, 2025. "A fungal pathogen manipulates phytocytokine signaling for plant infection," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-65934-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65934-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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