Antifungal Plant Proteins – Classification, Characterization and Potential Applications

Abstract

This short review is focused on antifungal plant proteins, their classification and characterization. There are 11 groups of the proteins: PR-1, PR-2, PR-3, PR-4, PR-5 proteins, defensins, thionins, CLPs, RIPs, LTPs, and protease inhibitors. The mechanisms of action of these proteins are as different as their sources and include degradation of fungal cell wall polymers, formation of membrane channels or damage of cellular ribosomes. The mode of action of many proteins remains unknown. The range of fungi that are inhibited by these proteins is very broad, including pathogens of many plants. The genes encoding antifungal proteins can be used to create transgenic plants with increased fungal field resistance. Some antifungal proteins (e.g. zeamatin) are tested for therapeutical use.