Review: Proteolysis in plant immunity

Plant immunity is beautifully sophisticated with a ever-growing cast of characters. This review by Liu et al. focuses on the contributions of proteolysis (protein degradation), which both activates and suppresses immune responses. The authors structure the review around four key functions of proteolysis: direct degradation of pathogen proteins, activation of host immune proteins, regulation of immune component stability, and release of immunogenic peptides. They next turn to systems that are regulated through the ubiquitin-proteasome system, surveying its roles in PRR (pattern-recognition receptor) and NLR (nucleotide binding leucine-rich repeat receptor) immunity, as well as in salicylic acid signaling. They conclude by summarizing efforts to engineer proteolysis to enhance immunity and by highlighting open questions. It’s a must-read resource for those working in the field and those who strive to keep up to date with this fast-moving topic. (Summary by Mary Williams @PlantTeaching) Plant Cell  https://doi.org/10.1093/plcell/koae142