Plants rely on a class of immune receptors known as nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins as one of their primary defenses against invading pathogens. However, this protection is often short-lived because pathogens can rapidly evolve to escape detection or suppress plant immune responses. This project focuses on the potato NLR protein RB, which provides broad-spectrum resistance against Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen responsible for late blight, a devastating disease that led to the Irish Potato Famine and still causes billions in losses worldwide. The research team will investigate how RB interacts with pathogen effector proteins and plant immune signaling components and how some pathogen strains evade this detection system. By integrating structural biology, biochemistry, and bioartificial intelligence (BIO-AI), the project aims to unravel complex host-pathogen interactions and design novel resistance traits. This work contributes to the growing bioeconomy by enabling more sustainable approaches to crop protection, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides, and helping farmers safeguard their yields through durable, genetically based resistance. Ultimately, the research advances our understanding of natural plant immunity, promoting agricultural resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability, while delivering significant benefits to both society and the economy. Plants utilize NLR immune receptors to detect pathogen effectors and initi