Mechanosensing and Sphingolipid-Docking Mediate Lipopetide-Induced Immunity in Arabidopsis

Bacteria-derived lipopeptides are immunogenic triggers of host defenses in metazoans and plants. Root-associated rhizobacteria produce cyclic lipopeptides that activate systemically induced resistance (IR) against microbial infection in various plants. How these molecules are perceived and give rise to IR remains elusive. Here, we reveal that immunity activation in Arabidopsis thaliana by the lipopeptide elicitor surfactin is mediated by docking into specific sphingolipid-enriched domains and relies on host membrane deformation and subsequent activation of mechanosensitive ion channels. This mechanism is distinct from host pattern recognition receptor-mediated immune activation and reminiscent of damage-induced plant immunity. It represents a novel aspect of plant immunization by mutualistic bacteria. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.