From uncontrolled to controllable: A novel approach for nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat bioengineering.

Abstract

Gene scarcity and resistance breakdown limit the utility of plant NLRs. Findings in Nature by Wang et al. (2025) describe a bioengineering strategy using N-terminal blocking peptides to achieve tunable NLR activation, providing durable, broad-spectrum resistance to potyviruses in plants.