An effector TaCRVP from Tuta absoluta oral secretion impairs H₂O₂-mediated plant defense by targeting tomato SlCAT2

Furthermore, TaCRVP enhances SlCAT2 stability by competitively inhibiting its interaction with the plant E3 ubiquitin ligase SlAdBiL, thereby blocking the SlAdBiL-mediated targeting of SlCAT2 for 26S proteasomal degradation. The consequent increase in both SlCAT2 activity and abundance effectively suppresses H₂O₂ accumulation, a critical defense signal, leading to the downregulation of jasmonic acid-mediated defenses and the biosynthesis of key compounds.

Our findings reveal a convergent evolutionary strategy whereby herbivorous insect effector, like pathogen effectors, manipulates host redox homeostasis by targeting catalase. This study advances our understanding of plant-insect interactions and lays the groundwork for developing novel pest management strategies by identifying potential molecular targets.