TIR domain protein-mediated phase separation activates plant immunity

Abstract

We spotlight recent findings from a Nature paper unveiling captivating insights into how substrates such as NAD+ and ATP stimulate the condensation of TIR domain proteins. This process culminates in the formation of a quaternary structural pattern akin to the catalytic arrangement observed in conventional TNL proteins. Consequently, this mechanism enables the production of pivotal signaling molecules crucial for fortifying plant immunity. Expanding on these revelations, we propose the prospect of creating modulatory compounds capable of initiating the phase separation of TIR domain proteins as an innovative approach to enhance plant immunity against pathogenic challenges.