The discovery of how the rice plant's immune system is triggered by disease might be helpful in the fight against similar diseases in other crops and even in HIV studies, the Australian National University (ANU) reported on Monday.

Researchers studying bacterial leaf blight have found that rice detects a molecule called RaxX secreted by the bacteria.

"We've discovered a new molecule that's never been seen before, " said ANU's Dr. Benjamin Schwessinger.

"We've realized that this type of molecule plays an important role in the immune response of rice plants. It will now be much easier to develop containment strategies against the disease and breed more robust rice plants."

It is believed that the new discovery could boost crop yields and lead to more disease-resistant types of rice.

Moreover, the research may even give insights into human health, as "the chemistry is similar to that of HIV entering human cells".

The research is published in Science Advances.