The structural basis for activation of plant immunity by bacterial effector protein AvrPto

Plant pathogens produce effector proteins that enhance virulence in susceptible plants, but trigger an immune response in resistant plants. This hypersensitive response is elicited through the interaction between the bacterial effector and the appropriate host resistance protein. This study describes the first crystal structure of a pathogen effector (AvrPto) bound to its cognate host protein (Pto).