The nucleolus and Cajal bodies (CBs) are sub-nuclear domains with well-known roles in RNA metabolism and RNA-protein assembly. However, they also participate in other important aspects of cell functioning. This study uncovers a previously unrecognised mechanism by which these bodies and their components regulate host defences against pathogen attack. We show that the CB protein coilin interacts with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), redistributes it to the nucleolus and modifies its function, and that these events are accompanied by substantial increases in endogenous concentrations of salicylic acid (SA), activation of SA-responsive gene expression and callose deposition leading to the restriction of tobacco rattle virus (TRV) systemic infection. Consistent with this, we also find that treatment with SA subverts the negative effect of the pharmacological PARP inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide (3AB) on plant recovery from TRV infection. Our results suggest that PARP1 could act as a key molecular actuator in the regulatory network which integrates coilin activities as a stress sensor for virus infection and SA-mediated antivirus defence.