Full Description

Innate immunity is the first line of defense against pathogen attack. A plant or animal's innate immune system is triggered only when its pathogen (or pattern) recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). While PRRs play a significant role in triggering innate immunity in plants and animals, the PAMPs recognized by the receptors have not been well characterized.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered a short peptide produced by a bacterial pathogen that induces rice innate immunity. Recognition of this peptide by the rice XA21 PRR triggers immunity to normal virulent pathogens.

Suggested uses

Because of the economic importance of cereal crops and the magnitude of disease-related losses, this discovery has significant applications in crop production and protection. By applying this peptide to leaves or seeds of cereals carrying the Xa21 gene as a protectant, the plant's immunity to pathogens is triggered without the use of harmful pesticides, chemicals, or expensive protective treatments.

Features/Benefits

• Technology able to trigger bacterial and fungal immunity by simple exposure.
• Can be used as a seed or foliage treatment (e.g., by spraying seeds/leaves or dipping leaves). Easy application to plants.
• Peptide can be easily synthesized.
• Induces immunity without the use of chemicals, pesticides or transgenic plants.

Patent Status

Patent Pending

Related Materials

• Lee S, Han S, Sririyanum M, Park C, Seo Y, and Ronald P. 2009. A Type I-Secreted, Sulfated Peptide Triggers XA21-Mediated Innate Immunity. Science. 326 (5954): 850-853. - 11/06/2009
• The paper above was selected as Editor’s choice, Science. Selected for Faculty of 1000 Biology, an award-winning online service that highlights and evaluates the most interesting papers published in the biological sciences, based on the recommendations of over 2000 of the world's top researchers. Featured New Hot Paper in the field of Plant & Animal Science, which means it is one of the most-cited papers in this discipline published during the past two years.

Inventors

• Han, Sang Wook
• Lee, Sang Won
• Ronald, Pamela C.

Other Information

Contact

Randi L. Jenkins / rljenkins@ucdavis.edu / tel: View Phone Number. Please reference Tech ID #11175.

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