Pit2 is a secreted Ustilago maydis effector that contributes to corn smut disease by inhibiting papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCPs) in maize. Here Misas Villamil et al. show that Pit2 mimics PLCP substrates, and is cleaved to release a peptide that blocks PLCP activity and represses host immunity.
- Johana C. Misas Villamil
- André N. Mueller
- Gunther Doehlemann