Wheat's immune system uses novel protein complex, study finds

Plant immunity is largely initiated at the cellular level, with each cell capable of autonomous detection and response, while also coordinating systemic signaling across the organism—unlike the centralized, cell-based immune system of animals. One of the key mechanisms of plant immunity involves nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immunereceptors—intracellular receptors that detect pathogen invasion and activate a strong immune response. Unlike surface receptors, NLRs detect pathogen effector proteins that are injected by pathogens into plant cells to manipulate host biology.