A novel cellular factor of Nicotiana benthamiana susceptibility to tobamovirus infection

Viral infection, which entails synthesis of viral proteins and active reproduction the genome, effects significant changes in functions many intracellular systems plants. Along with these processes, a virus has to suppress cellular defense create favorable conditions for its successful systemic spread plant. The exploits various factors permissive host modulating metabolism as well local transport macromolecules photoassimilates. Nicotiana benthamiana stress-induced gene encoding Kunitz peptidase inhibitor-like protein (KPILP) recently been shown be involved chloroplast retrograde signaling regulation stimulation intercellular macromolecules. In this paper we demonstrate key role KPILP development tobamovius infection. Systemic infection N. plants tobacco mosaic (TMV) or closely related crucifer-infecting tobamovirus (crTMV) induces drastic increase mRNA accumulation. knockdown significantly reduces efficiency TMV crTMV reproduction. Plants silencing become partially resistant Therefore, could regarded novel proviral factor