Fig. 9: Model of P. capsici effector RxLR23 competitive binding to NbERD15La with NbNAC68 to activate plant defense response.

Working model illustrating how RxLR23 manipulates the NbERD15La-NbNAC68 subcomplex to activate plant defense response. A In the absence of RxLR23, the activity of NbNAC68 is restricted by binding with NbERD15La following suppresses ROS and SA production and enhances ABA accumulation, leading to blocked plant defense response. B In the presence of RxLR23, NbNAC68 is released from NbERD15La-NbNAC68 complex, which increases SA and ROS accumulation, and reduces ABA production, resulting in enhanced plant defense response and cell death.