The function of the plant cell wall in plant–microbe interactions

The plant cell wall is an interface of plant–microbe interactions. The ability of microbes to decompose cell wall polysaccharides contributes to microbial pathogenicity. Plants have evolved mechanisms to prevent cell wall degradation. However, the role of the cell wall in plant–microbe interactions is not well understood. Here, we discuss four functions of the plant cell wall—physical defence, storage of antimicrobial compounds, production of cell wall-derived elicitors, and provision of carbon sources—in the context of plant–microbe interactions. In addition, we discuss the four families of cell surface receptors associated with plant cell walls (malectin-like receptor kinase family, wall-associated kinase family, leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase family, and lysin motif receptor-like kinase family) that have been the subject of several important studies in recent years. This review summarises the findings on both plant cell wall and plant immunity, improving our understanding and may provide impetus to various researchers.