RNA silencing suppressors: Mechanisms, impacts, and prospects in plant antiviral defence

RNA silencing, a highly conserved gene inactivation system in higher plants, acts as a pivotal innate defence mechanism against viruses. In response, viruses encode RNA silencing suppressors (RSSs) to disrupt this antiviral pathway and counteract plant defence responses. Extensive studies have revealed that RSSs specifically target critical components within the plant silencing machinery and antiviral pathways. In this article, we provide a comprehensive summary of RNA silencing suppressors, including their inhibitory mechanisms, effects on host proteins involved in RNA silencing and antiviral pathways, and methods for identifying RSSs and their potential applications in plant virus defence. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms of RSSs and their impacts on hosts can deepen our knowledge of the co-evolutionary dynamics between plants and viruses. It may potentially pave the way for the development of novel strategies for the prevention and control of plant viruses. Ongoing research is exploring the intricate details of RSSs' functions.