Immune response – Plant en Zo

New state of immunity

A new study shows that during an infection plant cells can reprogram themselves into immune cells

Learned early A good immune response is important to quickly overpower incoming pathogens. Now researchers show in Plant Cell that that basis of this response stems from 500 million years ago. Immune receptors are important for the recognition of pathogens. Plants have multiple types of immune receptors. One of those are the NLR immune receptorsContinue reading “Learned early”

Relay messengers

Relay messengers A fast response is needed when pathogenic bacteria or fungi enters a plant. Then the plant can try to actively stop this intruder, starting an immune reaction. For this, the recogniser sends a message to the whole cell, who in turn forwards it to the whole plant. Like a relay. Although most ofContinue reading “Relay messengers”

Heat gives infections a chance

Heat gives infections a chance Through higher temperatures due to climate change plants get into more trouble. They get stressed faster. By heat. By drought. But also, it makes them more infection prone. At higher temperatures, the immune response upon pathogen infection does not happen. Giving the pathogens free access. The increasingly common occurrence ofContinue reading “Heat gives infections a chance”