In order to set up an optimal response to the invading pathogen, the host
plant uses transcriptional reprogramming. This phenomenon, involving both DNAbinding transcription factors (TFs) and their regulatory molecules, occurs at several
levels of resistance, such as the expression of resistance components (e.g. intracellular
and membrane receptor proteins), and downstream defense signalling. In this chapter,
we address the structure and function of main TF families associated with plant defense
against biotic stress, as well as the role played by MAPK cascades and Ca2+ signaling in
regulating transcriptional complexes during plant-pathogen interactions.
Keywords: BZIP, ERF/DREB, MYB, NAC, Pathogen-triggered cellular
responses, Signalling network, Transcription factors, WRKY.
