BIK1-RIN4 complex links plant immunity and pathogen virulence

Abstract

Plants deploy receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) and the immune hub protein RIN4 to coordinate PAMPs-triggered immunity (PTI). Here, we show that BIK1, but not its close homolog PBL1, dynamically strengthens the interaction with RIN4 upon flg22 perception, thereby promoting phosphorylation of RIN4 at S141 and potentiating PTI responses. We further demonstrate that the bacterial type III effector AvrB disrupts the BIK1-RIN4 association through phosphorylation of RIN4 at T166, abolishing complex formation and attenuating BIK1-RIN4 complex-dependent PTI. These findings newly elucidate the BIK1-RIN4 complex as a convergent node of plant immunity and effector targeting, providing insight into the molecular arms race between host defenses and pathogen virulence strategies.