Dynamics of effectors in host–pathogen interactions

Abstract

Filamentous fungi and oomycetes are major pathogens of plants and the principal cause of destructive damage to ecosystems and agriculture. During colonization of their hosts, these phytopathogens produce a large array of effectors to break down host cellular components, evade host immune responses and modulate host cell survival. The identification of diverse effectors from different ascomycete, basitiomycete and oomycetes pathogens offers an in-depth view of effector function and evolution. Effectors produced by plant pathogens operate at a few interaction interfaces and are trafficked with several logistic strategies. This review summarizes the various aspects of effector genomics, such as different trafficking routes, modular molecular construction, dynamic genome environment, various modes of host-modulation and intricate co-evolution with hosts. © 2011, 2011 Mycological Society of China.