Texas
April 30, 2026
Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists are leading an effort to decode a complex “arms race” between plants and the evolving pathogens that threaten them.
The work, led by researchers at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas, is backed by a $1.14 million National Science Foundation grant. The project, “Mechanism and Manipulation of NLR-Mediated Immunity,” explores how plants use internal sensors to detect and fight off infections, and how scientists might add new next-generation, artificial intelligence-based defenses to modern crops.
The research team is led by Junqi Song, Ph.D., AgriLife Research plant immunity researcher and associate professor in the Texas A&M Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, and Jinping Zhao, Ph.D., associate research scientist, both at Dallas. The project’s co-lead is Jikui Song, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry at University of California-Riverside. David Baker, Ph.D., Nobel Prize-winning pioneer of protein design and professor at the University of Washington, is also a collaborator on the project with Linna An, Ph.D., assistant professor at Rice University.
Junqi Song, Ph.D., (left) and Jinping Zhao, Ph.D., lead research into a protein known as RB as part of a complex “arms race” to help plants defend against the evolving pathogens that threaten them. (Gabe Saldana/Texas A&M AgriLife)
“Plants have evolved, sophisticated immune systems, yet pathogens — the viruses, bacteria, fungi and oomycetes that cause diseases — constantly evolve new ways to bypass those defenses,” Junqi Song said.
Cracking the pathogen’s code
The research team is investigating the retinoblastoma, RB, protein. This critical immune receptor helps plants recognize Phytophthora infestans, the notorious pathogen that causes late blight. The disease is responsible for the historical Irish Potato Famine and remains one of the most devastating threats to agriculture worldwide.
Normally, the RB receptor triggers a biological alarm when it detects a specific pathogen signature. But some strains have evolved a “jammer” protein that suppresses the plant’s immune response. This allows infection to take hold, even when the plant should be protected.
“Using the exemplary RB model system, we aim to address the long-standing question of how resistance is suppressed by rapidly evolving pathogens that have generated new virulence factors,” Song said.
Harnessing AI to build better defenses
To fight back, the researchers are turning to emerging technology. The team has identified numerous immune regulators that play a key role in receptor-mediated immunity. In a breakthrough, the researchers discovered they could potentially trick the pathogens into being recognized by the host immune receptor, thereby triggering immunity. To achieve this, they plan to use deep learning-based protein design – a form of artificial intelligence – to improve and broaden pathogen recognition.
“Equipping plants to better detect evolving threats would provide a foundation for more resource-efficient management of agricultural diseases,” Song said.
Investing in the future of agriculture
Beyond the laboratory, the grant is designed to cultivate the next generation of scientific leaders. The funding provides comprehensive training in genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry for students ranging from middle school to postdoctoral level.
The project establishes several collaborative outreach and education programs, including:
- Summer internships with Dallas and Frisco independent school districts.
- A professional internship program and plant propagation course in partnership with East Texas A&M University.
- Leadership and communication development through scientific conferences and team collaborations.
“By combining advanced protein design with hands-on community education, the project aims to not only address current agricultural challenges but to prepare a workforce capable of ensuring sustainable agriculture for the future,” Song said.
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