The wheels of destruction: Plant NLR immune receptors are mobile and structurally dynamic disease resistance proteins

Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins are intracellular immune receptors that restrict plant invasion by pathogens. Most NLRs operate in intricate networks to detect pathogen effectors in a robust and efficient manner. NLRs are not static sensors; rather, they exhibit remarkable mobility and structural plasticity during the innate immune response. Inac-tive NLRs localize to diverse subcellular compartments where they are poised to sense pathogen effectors. During pathogen attack, some NLRs relocate toward the plant-pathogen inter-face, possibly to ensure their timely activation. Activated NLRs reorganize into wheel-shaped oligomers, some of which then form plasma membrane pores that promote calcium influx and programmed cell death. The emerging paradigm is that this variable and dynamic nature underpins effective NLR-mediated immunity.

Automated summary

Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins are intracellular immune receptors that restrict plant invasion by pathogens. They exhibit remarkable mobility and structural plasticity during the innate immune response. The dynamic nature of NLRs is crucial for their effective immune response.