Exported into plant cells, where it is targeted to the nucleus and probably acts as a transcription factor. Binds DNA in a sequence-specific manner. May contribute to plant pathogenicity. Secreted via type III secretion system (TTSS). Regulated by hrpB, which controls the type III secretion system. The central DNA-binding region is composed of 16 tandem core repeats with 1 base-specifying residue (BSR residue 13, also called repeat variable diresidue, RVD, residues 12 and 13). The BSR is probably the only residue to contact DNA in a sequence-specific manner, although other repeat residues effect repeat activity and specificity. There are at least 4 possible nuclear localization signals, both N- and C-terminal regions contribute to nuclear localization. The C-terminus encodes a plant transcriptional activation domain. Replacement of the 295 last residues of AvrBs3 (AC P14727) with the same region of this protein activates transcription in transformed N.benthamiana leaves. No alteration in pathogenicity on tomato (S.lycopersicum cv Supermarmande) (PubMed:15225308), another study found decreased pathogenicity on eggplant (S.melongena cv. Zebrina, PubMed:20687809). By combining the DNA-binding domain with the catalytic domain of the restriction endonuclease FokI, TALE-nuclease (TALEN) enzymes able to target specific dsDNA sequences are created that enable eukaryotic genome modification. Other potential uses as transcriptional repressors, for transposon targeting, DNA methylation or histone tail modifictions are also possible. Belongs to the transcription activator-like effector (TALE) family. RipTAL/RTL subfamily.