Fig. 8 | Nature Communications

Fig. 8

From: The Ustilago maydis repetitive effector Rsp3 blocks the antifungal activity of mannose-binding maize proteins

Fig. 8

Hypothetical model for the function of the U. maydis effector Rsp3. In response to infection by U. maydis, maize antifungal genes AFP1 and AFP2 are transcriptionally induced and AFP1 and AFP2 proteins are secreted to the apoplast. In infections with rsp3 mutants, AFP1 and AFP2 target mannose residues/mannosylated proteins on the fungal cell wall negatively impacting fungal cell wall integrity. This results in killing of fungal cells which may release MAMP molecules that stimulate immune responses. To counteract this, U. maydis secretes Rsp3 protein which binds to fungal hyphae and protects hyphae against maize AFP proteins. Rsp3 might also interact with membrane-bound receptor kinases containing a DUF26 domain to block signaling and prevent maize immune responses

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