The durable resistance gene Tm-22 remains partially resistant to tomato brown rugose fruit virus

Abstract

The tomato Tm-22 gene is a highly effective, and durable resistance gene in agriculture that has protected tomato production against viruses of the Tobamovirus genus, such as tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) for over 60 years. This dominant R gene, originally sourced from wild tomato species (Solanum peruvianum), acts by recognizing the viral movement protein (MP) and triggering an immune response, often resulting in extreme resistance (ER). However, this durable protection is challenged by a recently emerged new tobamovirus named tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV, Tobamovirus fructirugosum). ToBRFV-encoded MP is responsible for ER breakdown. Here, we present evidence that while ToBRFV can evade Tm-22-mediated ER, Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato plants carrying Tm-22 still remain partially resistant to ToBRFV. We show that ToBRFV MP is recognized by and interacts with Tm-22 to trigger an attenuated hypersensitive response. Moreover, we discover that overexpression of Tm-22 can enhance resistance to ToBRFV. These findings demonstrate the practical value of Tm-22 in ongoing resistance breeding programs and open a potential avenue to restore Tm-22 immunity through upregulation of Tm-22 expression.