Plasticity of the β-Trefoil Protein Fold in the Recognition and Control of Invertebrate Predators and Parasites by a Fungal Defence System

This research reveals how mushrooms protect themselves against tiny predators like roundworms and insects using specialized proteins called lectins. The studied lectin (CCL2) acts like a targeted weapon that specifically recognizes and binds to sugar molecules found only on the predators’ cells, not on the mushroom’s own cells. This allows the mushroom to defend itself without causing self-harm. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides insights into developing new natural pesticides for agriculture – Could lead to novel treatments for parasitic worm infections in humans and animals – Demonstrates nature’s elegant solutions for self-defense that could inspire new therapeutic approaches – Helps understand how organisms can specifically target threats while avoiding damage to themselves – Could be used as a tool for detecting specific sugar molecules in medical diagnostics