Defensin-like Protein Homologues Participate in Antiviral Resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana

TL;DR

This study shows that a defensin-like protein in Nicotiana benthamiana helps the plant resist viral infections, suggesting potential for antiviral strategies in crops.

Contribution

The study identifies and characterizes NbDLP as a novel antiviral effector in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Findings

NbDLP is upregulated in response to viral infection in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Transient expression of NbDLP significantly inhibits multiple viral infections.

Silencing NbDLP increases susceptibility to viral infections.

Abstract

Plant defensin-like proteins, as the core effector molecules of innate immunity, play an important role in resistance against fungi and bacteria. However, their function in plant antiviral resistance remains unclear. Here, NbDLP, a defensin-like protein from Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana), is identified through transcriptome analysis. NbDLP is upregulated upon viral infection of Tobacco Vein Mottling Virus (TVMV). Then, we cloned NbDLP into plant expression vector by gateway recombination to obtain pEAQ-NbDLP. We found that the transient expression of NbDLP in N. benthamiana could significantly inhibit TVMV, TuMV and TMV infection. Further, silencing NbDLP contributed to TuMV and TMV infection. In conclusion, the results indicate that NbDLP participates in the plant antiviral resistance against plant viral infection and might be used for defining antiviral strategies in application points.

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