In our recent paper, we identified a TIR encoding gene, which is required for resistance against a broad range of necrotrophic fungi. Here we present this finding in a broader perspective and discuss the unique features of this gene which might explain its role as a general regulator of resistance responses against a class of pathogens that have previously not been associated to the classical resistance (R) gene type of defense.
Keywords: TIR-NOD-DZC; arabidopsis; necrotrophic fungi; resistance genes.