Subcellular dynamics of the cell walls in the plant-microbial interaction

Plant–pathogen encounters occur at the subcellular level, where the specialized cell walls of both organisms serve as the first—and sometimes only—point of contact. In this review, they examine how plants and microbes remodel and adapt their cell walls, highlighting the dynamic biochemical and mechanical changes that shape infection outcomes and pl.

Plant-pathogen interactions are vital for ecology and food security. While often studied at the organ or molecular levels, these interactions mainly occur at the subcellular plant apoplast. Here, both plant and pathogen cell walls undergo intense changes due to mutual degradation and defense mechanisms. Plant cell wall modifications act as defense signals, triggering immune responses, yet many details-such as rare decorations, proteins, and mechanical cues-remain unclear. Microbial cell wall changes within plants are even less understood.

This review examines the biochemical, structural, and mechanical interface between plant and microbial cell walls, aiming to shed light on the dynamic subcellular interplay that underlies host-pathogen interactions. We also highlight emerging insights into subcellular wall microdomains, microbial wall dynamics during infection, and the largely overlooked mechanical signals shaping this complex cross-kingdom dialogue. Understanding these fine-scale processes opens new avenues for developing novel methods of sustainable disease control in agriculture.

Original Paper: Pinto, L., Soler-López, L., Serrano, A., Sánchez-Rodríguez, C. 2025. Between Host and Invaders: The Subcellular Cell Wall Dynamics at the Plant–Pathogen Interface. Annual Review of Plant Biology 76, 255–284. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-061824-115733