Engineering Resistance against Using a Truncated NLR (TNx) and a Defense-Priming Gene.

The association of both cell-surface PRRs (Pattern Recognition Receptors) and intracellular receptor NLRs (Nucleotide-Binding Leucine-Rich Repeat) in engineered plants have the potential to activate strong defenses against a broad range of pathogens. Here, we describe the identification, characterization, and in planta functional analysis of a novel truncated NLR (TNx) gene from the wild species (), with a protein structure lacking the C-terminal LRR (Leucine Rich Repeat) domain involved in pathogen perception. Overexpression of in tobacco plants led to a significant reduction in infection caused by , with a further reduction in pyramid lines containing an expansin-like B gene () potentially involved in defense priming.