Effector-triggered stomatal immunity prevents leaf invasion by bacterial pathogens.

Recognition of the Pseudomonas syringae type III effector AvrE1 by CAR1 reinforces stomatal immunity in Arabidopsis thaliana, prolonging effective closure and blocking leaf invasion.

• Why it matters: P. syringae must enter through stomata, and pathogens counter by delivering effectors that undermine non-self-recognition stomatal closure.
• What they did: In Arabidopsis thaliana, CAR1 expression is enriched in guard cells, and CAR1 activation prolongs the effective duration of stomatal immunity after AvrE1 recognition.
• The result: CAR1 prevents invasion of leaf tissue by natural isolates of P. syringae carrying the conserved effector AvrE1, indicating a broadly significant barrier to host accessibility.

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