A conserved protein disulfide isomerase enhances plant resistance against herbivores

Herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs) enable plants to recognize herbivores and may help plants adjust their defense responses. Here, we report on herbivore-induced changes in a protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) widely distributed across arthropods. PDI from the spider mite Tetranychus evansi (TePDI), a mesophyll-feeding agricultural pest worldwide, triggered immunity in multiple Solanaceae plants. TePDI-mediated cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana required the plant signaling proteins SGT1 (suppressor of the G2 allele of skp1) and HSP90 (heat shock protein 90), but was suppressed by spider mite effectors Te28 and Te84. Moreover, PDIs from phylogenetically distinct herbivorous and nonherbivorous arthropods triggered plant immunity. Finally, although PDI-induced plant defenses impaired the performance of spider mites on plants, RNAi experiments revealed that PDI genes are essential for the survival of mites and whiteflies. Our findings indicate that plants recognize evolutionarily conserved HAMPs to activate plant defense and resist pest damage, pointing to opportunities for broad-spectrum pest management. Plants recognize protein disulfide isomerase to activate defense responses and resist pest damage.

Automated summary

This study reveals that herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs) can activate plant defense responses and identifies a widely distributed protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in arthropods as a key player. The PDI from the spider mite triggers immunity in various solanaceae plants and its effect is countered by spider mite effectors. Additionally, PDIs from phylogenetically distinct herbivorous and non-herbivorous arthropods can induce plant immunity. The activation of plant defense responses impairs pest performance but is essential for the survival of mites and whiteflies.