A stable antimicrobial peptide with dual functions of treating and preventing citrus Huanglongbing.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
; 118(6)2021 02 09.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33526689
ABSTRACT
Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by a vector-transmitted phloem-limited bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. Currently, there are no effective strategies to prevent infection or to cure HLB-positive trees. Here, using comparative analysis between HLB-sensitive citrus cultivars and HLB-tolerant citrus hybrids and relatives, we identified a novel class of stable antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs). The SAMP from Microcitrusaustraliasica can rapidly kill Liberibacter crescens (Lcr), a culturable Liberibacter strain, and inhibit infections of CLas and CL. solanacearum in plants. In controlled greenhouse trials, SAMP not only effectively reduced CLas titer and disease symptoms in HLB-positive trees but also induced innate immunity to prevent and inhibit infections. Importantly, unlike antibiotics, SAMP is heat stable, making it better suited for field applications. Spray-applied SAMP was taken up by citrus leaves, stayed stable inside the plants for at least a week, and moved systemically through the vascular system where CLas is located. We further demonstrate that SAMP is most effective on α-proteobacteria and causes rapid cytosol leakage and cell lysis. The α-helix-2 domain of SAMP is sufficient to kill Lcr Future field trials will help determine the efficacy of SAMP in controlling HLB and the ideal mode of application.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Doenças das Plantas
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Citrus
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Rutaceae
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Proteínas Citotóxicas Formadoras de Poros
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article