AUTHOR=Yang Chuanyu , Ancona Veronica 

TITLE=An Overview of the Mechanisms Against “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”: Virulence Targets, Citrus Defenses, and Microbiome

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.850588

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2022.850588

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening, is the most destructive disease for citrus worldwide. It is caused by the psyllid-transmitted, phloem-limited bacteria “<italic>Candidatus</italic> Liberibacter asiaticus” (<italic>C</italic>Las). To date, there are still no effective practical strategies for curing citrus HLB. Understanding the mechanisms against <italic>C</italic>Las can contribute to the development of effective approaches for combatting HLB. However, the unculturable nature of <italic>C</italic>Las has hindered elucidating mechanisms against <italic>C</italic>Las. In this review, we summarize the main aspects that contribute to the understanding about the mechanisms against <italic>C</italic>Las, including (1) <italic>C</italic>Las virulence targets, focusing on inhibition of virulence genes; (2) activation of citrus host defense genes and metabolites of HLB-tolerant citrus triggered by <italic>C</italic>Las, and by agents; and (3) we also review the role of citrus microbiome in combatting <italic>C</italic>Las. Finally, we discuss novel strategies to continue studying mechanisms against <italic>C</italic>Las and the relationship of above aspects.</p>