The plant signal peptide CLE7 induces plant defense response against viral infection in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Here, we identify that the plant small peptide, CLAVATA3/ESR-RELATED 7 (CLE7), enhances plant resistance to Chinese wheat mosaic virus infection in Nicotiana (N.) benthamiana. Subsequent investigations demonstrate that CLE7 recognizes receptor kinase NbPXC3 to control the plant antiviral response.

Moreover, CLE7-NbPXC3 signaling induces NbMKK2-controlled NbMPK4 phosphorylation, resulting in phosphorylation of the transcription factor NbEDT1. NbEDT1 phosphorylation is involved in the transcriptional activity of NbNCED3, which is a rate‐limiting enzyme in ABA (Abscisic Acid) biosynthesis. Moreover, CLE7 activates broad-spectrum disease resistance to multiple RNA viral infections.