Elicitins form a novel class of plant necrotic proteins which are secreted by Phytophthora and Pythium fungi, parasites of many economically important crops. These proteins induce leaf necrosis in infected plants and elicit an incompatible hypersensitive-like reaction, leading to the development of a systemic acquired resistance against a range of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens [1].

1: Crystal structure of a fungal elicitor secreted by Phytophthora cryptogea, a member of a novel class of plant necrotic proteins. Boissy G, de La Fortelle E, Kahn R, Huet JC, Bricogne G, Pernollet JC, Brunie S; Structure 1996;4:1429-1439. PMID:8994969