Plant targets for Pseudomonas syringae type III effectors: Virulence targets or guarded decoys?

Authors

Anna Block, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
James R. Alfano, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2-2011

Citation

Published in final edited form as: Curr Opin Microbiol. 2011 February ; 14(1): 39–46. doi:10.1016/j.mib.2010.12.011.

Comments

Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. Used by permission.

Abstract

The phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae can suppress both pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI) by the injection of type III effector (T3E) proteins into host cells. T3Es achieve immune suppression using a variety of strategies including interference with immune receptor signaling, blocking RNA pathways and vesicle trafficking, and altering organelle function. T3Es can be recognized directly or indirectly by resistance proteins monitoring specific T3E targets resulting in ETI. It is presently unclear whether the monitored targets represent bona fide virulence targets or guarded decoys. Extensive overlap between PTI and ETI signaling suggests that T3Es may suppress both pathways through common targets and by possessing multiple activities.