Work

Plant NLRs are getting into higher‐order architectures

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins are central components of the plant immune system that detect pathogen-derived effectors or modifications of host proteins within the cell to activate immune responses. NLRs have co-evolved with pathogens in an ongoing evolutionary arms race, leading to diversification of NLR structures and the establishment of highly interconnected immune networks. Recent studies have shown that NLRs dynamically assemble into higher-order structures, including multimeric complexes, filaments, and biomolecular condensates. These higher-order architectures are essential for NLR activation, intracellular signaling, and interactions with host proteins. Structural and biochemical analyses have revealed both conserved and divergent mechanisms underlying these assemblies. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the formation and functional significance of higher-order NLR assemblies.

Source: The Plant Journal

DOI: 10.1111/tpj.70855

Authors: Nayun Kim, Eunyoung Chae, Ji‐Joon Song

Institutions: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, University of Oxford, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,450

Funders: National Research Foundation, National Research Foundation Singapore, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea