The prospects of targeting messenger RNA surveillance factor PELOTA for developing virus resistance in plants.

The mRNA-surveillance factor, PELOTA is essential for maintaining translation fidelity and facilitating the degradation of faulty mRNAs. Initially recognized for its role in ribosome rescue and RNA quality control in eukaryotic cells, PELOTA has recently garnered attention for its diverse functions in plant biology as well as in plant-virus interactions. Numerous studies suggest that the PELOTA protein plays a distinctive role in determining either susceptibility or resistance to various plant pathogens, including viruses. Interestingly, PELOTA exhibits a dual function: while certain allelic variants confer resistance or susceptibility to diverse plant viruses, complete or severe disruption of its activity impairs fundamental processes of plant growth and development. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge of PELOTA-mediated mRNA surveillance across eukaryotes, critically examine its emerging role in shaping plant–virus dynamics, and assess the deleterious developmental consequences of its mutation in plants. Although disruption of PELOTA can enhance resistance to various pathogens, including viruses, it may also compromise RNA quality control and normal plant development. Thus, a thorough evaluation is essential before targeting PELOTA for engineering durable disease resistance in crops.