Role of cuticle, sterols, sphingolipids, and glycerolipids in plant defense

Abstract Lipids have long been recognized as essential components of plant cells, providing structural integrity, and serving as reservoirs of metabolic energy. However, the last decade has transformed our understanding of lipids, revealing their critical and dynamic roles in plant immunity. Far from being passive molecules, lipids and lipid-derived signals orchestrate diverse immune responses, bridging structural defense mechanisms with complex biochemical signaling networks. In this review, we delve into the roles of the cuticle, sterols, sphingolipids, and glycerolipids in plant defense. We explore how these lipid classes work individually and synergistically to fortify local barriers and facilitate systemic immune responses. We aim to illuminate the interconnectedness of these lipid types, identify emerging trends, and propose future directions to uncover their full potential in plant immunity. This focused perspective underscores the transformative impact of lipids on our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and highlights their promise in improving crop disease resistance.