An immune receptor pair consisting of NLR and MLKL confers stable resistance against Pyricularia oryzae pathotype Eluesine on wheat by recognition of three effectors

The study addresses wheat blast, a serious fungal disease caused by Pyricularia oryzae. The authors cloned the fungal avirulence effector PWT8 and mapped the corresponding wheat resistance gene Rwt8 to a locus previously associated with resistance. They show that Rwt8 functions as a paired receptor involving NLR and MLKL domains, and that stable resistance requires recognition of three distinct effectors. This mechanism differs from previously described kinase fusion protein (KFP) immune receptors, revealing new evolutionary strategies in plant immunity. The findings provide a basis for breeding wheat varieties with durable resistance to blast, and may inform similar approaches against other fungal pathogens.