CP32, a novel anti‐oomycete cyclic peptide, interferes with cell‐wall deposition in Phytophthora infestans
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight in potato and tomato, is a historically devastating pathogen that continues to pose a major threat to global food security. Although conventional fungicides remain a cornerstone of crop protection, growing concerns over their environmental impact and long-term sustainability have driven the search for safer and more selective alternatives. In this context, next-generation fungicides with high specificity and minimal ecological footprint are urgently needed. This study introduces CP32, a small cyclic peptide, identified via yeast two-hybrid screening of a genetically encoded combinatorial peptide library, based on its specific interaction with the catalytic domain of the P. infestans enzyme Cellulose Synthase 2. CP32 exhibits anti-oomycete activity, effectively inhibits sporangial growth at low micromolar concentrations, and significantly reduces late blight symptoms on tomato leaves and entire plants. In silico docking analyses, supported by molecular and biochemical evidence, confirm that CP32 compromises cell-wall integrity by interfering with cellulose deposition and altering glucan composition. Furthermore, CP32 readily permeates the Phytophthora membrane and displays oomycete-static properties, while showing no detectable toxicity toward non-target organisms, such as bacteria, yeast, or plants. Collectively, these findings identify CP32 as a promising, targeted anti-oomycete agent with a unique mode of action, targeting the P. infestans cell wall, representing a valuable contribution to the development of sustainable strategies for the control of late blight.
DOI: 10.1111/jipb.70343
Authors: Demetrio Marcianò, Stefano Rosa, Elena Marone Fassolo, Chiara Bertaso, Andrea Tagliani, Nina Gauri Capra, Federico Ballabio, Chiara Mizzotti, Giulia Rizzi, Sadia Fida Ullah, Lisa Kappel, Lucia Feni, Luca Tadini, Louise Jane Gourlay, Rosaria Russo, Vincent Bulone, Sabrina Pricl, Sandrine Ongeri, Sara Pellegrino, Carlo Camilloni, Silvia Laura Toffolatti, Vaibhav Srivastava, Paolo Pesaresi, Simona Masiero
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,000
OpenAlex ID: W7168923105