Root cap–derived cells and mucilage provide the first line of defense of the plant against soil microbial pathogens. These cells form a mucilaginous root extracellular trap (RET), which also harbors a range of molecules including exDNA and defensive peptides and proteins much like the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) of mammalians. Plant RETs resemble mucus structures found in mammalian systems and are rich in arabinogalactan proteins that have similarities to highly glycosylated human mucins. Human mucus and mucins regulate the intestinal flora microbiome through recruiting certain species of microbes and it is plausible that the arabinogalactan protein–rich mucilage found in plant roots fulfills a similar function by attracting specific microbes to the rhizosphere. The role of RETs in root defense functioning is highlighted.

根冠衍生的细胞和粘液为植物抵御土壤微生物病原体提供了第一道防线。这些细胞形成粘液根细胞外陷阱 (RET)，其中还包含一系列分子，包括 exDNA 和防御肽和蛋白质，很像哺乳动物的中性粒细胞细胞外陷阱 (NET)。植物 RET 类似于哺乳动物系统中发现的粘液结构，并且富含与高度糖基化的人类粘蛋白相似的阿拉伯半乳聚糖蛋白。人类粘液和粘蛋白通过招募某些种类的微生物来调节肠道菌群微生物群落，植物根部中发现的富含阿拉伯半乳聚糖蛋白的粘液通过将特定微生物吸引到根际来实现类似的功能是合理的。强调了 RET 在根防御功能中的作用。