Heat Shock Proteins in Plant Immunity

Abstract

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are widely distributed among prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, and their function is not limited to protection from temperature exposure. HSPs are detected not only under broad-spectrum abiotic stress but also under biotic stress. They have a common universal role as chaperones to maintain the functioning of protein molecules. The review provides data indicating the participation of representatives of each HSP family in the development of plant defense responses against phytopathogens. HSPs are activated at different levels of plant protection from pathogens: both at the level of nonspecific pattern-activated and at the level of specific effector-activated immunity. Of no small importance is the interaction of HSPs with participants in cellular signaling cascade systems, exercising control over the correct and timely maturation, assembly, and, if necessary, degradation of protein molecules. Consideration of the participation of HSPs in plant immunity undoubtedly deserves the attention of specialists in the field of phytoimmunology.