Trafficking vesicles: pro or contra pathogens?

• Published in: Current opinion in plant biology Vol. 12; no. 4; pp. 437 - 443
• Main Authors: Frey, Nicolas Frei dit, Robatzek, Silke
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2009; [Oxford, UK]: Pergamon: Elsevier Science
• Subjects: adaptation; Bacteria - metabolism; biochemical pathways; cell membranes; defense mechanisms; Endocytosis; eukaryotic cells; Fungi - metabolism; host-pathogen relationships; immune system; Immunity, Innate; intracellular membranes; literature reviews; microorganisms; Models, Biological; organelles; Organelles - metabolism; physiological transport; Plant Diseases - immunology; Plant Diseases - microbiology; plant pathogens; plants; Plants - immunology; Plants - metabolism; Plants - microbiology; Protein Transport; resistance mechanisms; Transport Vesicles - metabolism
• ISSN: 1369-5266; 1879-0356
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2009.06.002

Membrane compartmentalization and trafficking are pivotal for eukaryotic life and demand a higher order of coordination. Even in their resting state, most plant cells exhibit a polarized localization of membrane compartments, which is redirected when plant cells are attacked by microbes. Repositioning of organelles at pathogen penetration sites has been reported since more than a decade; however, only recently has targeted vesicle trafficking upon biotic stress emerged. It has become evident that vesicle secretion and endocytic pathways are engaged in the plant's immune system to actively defend against potential pathogens. By contrast, invasive pathogens have evolved means to utilize these trafficking pathways for the suppression of plant defenses and to the benefit of microbial proliferation. This review summarizes recent findings of host intracellular endomembrane adaptations in response to pathogens and how pathogens exploit them.