Tomato receptor FLAGELLIN SENSING 3 binds flgII 28 and activates the plant immune system
Plants and animals detect the presence of potential pathogens through the perception of conserved microbial patterns by cell surface receptors. Certain solanaceous plants, including tomato, potato and pepper, detect flgII 28, a region of bacterial flagellin that is distinct from that perceived by the well characterized FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 receptor. Here we identify and characterize the receptor responsible for this recognition in tomato, called FLAGELLIN SENSING 3. This receptor binds flgII 28 and enhances immune responses leading to a reduction in bacterial colonization of leaf tissues. Further characterization of FLS3 and its signalling pathway could provide new insights into the plant immune system and transfer of the receptor to other crop plants offers the potential of enhancing resistance to bacterial pathogens that have evolved to evade FLS2 mediated immunity.
Nature Plants