Cell-Specific Activation and Inhibition of Conserved PTI Genes by TMV in Susceptible Tobacco.

Abstract

Viruses, as obligate intracellular pathogens, are typically introduced directly into the host cell cytoplasm. The complete spectrum of plant antiviral pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) remains poorly understood. In this study, we present multi-omics sequencing data representing the response of susceptible tobacco to virus infection. We found that conserved PTI genes, particularly those previously reported to interact with bacteria or fungi, are initially activated but subsequently suppressed during virus infection. Our integrative analysis of bulk RNA-seq and ATAC-seq identified that PTI genes exhibit high chromatin accessibility following tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. Furthermore, we characterized transcriptomic changes using single-cell RNA-seq in tobacco leaves during TMV infection and identified major cell types. We determined the cell type-specific responses triggered by viral dsRNA activation and/or suppression of RNA silencing pathways in susceptible tobacco hosts. These responses were crucial for virus in facilitating viral accumulation within the host plant. Overall, our study on the interactions between susceptible tobacco and TMV provides data resources and insights into improving crop disease resistance through novel breeding strategies that target susceptible genes.