Effector that specifically binds host autophagy protein ATG8CL of the ATG8 family to stimulate autophagosome formation and subsequent autophagy rather than blocking autophagic flux (PubMed:26765567, PubMed:29932422). The pathogen remodels host-microbe interface by co-opting the host autophagy machinery which plays a key role in plant immunity (PubMed:29932422). PexRD54 competes with the autophagy cargo receptor Joka2 to deplete it out of ATG8CL complexes and interferes with Joka2's positive effect on pathogen defense (PubMed:26765567, PubMed:29932422). Interacts via its C-terminal AIM with host ATG8CL. Localizes to host autophagosomes across the perimicrobial membrane. Expression is induced during host plant infection. The RxLR-dEER motif acts to carry the protein into the host cell cytoplasm through binding to cell surface phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate. The C-terminal ATG8 interacting motif (AIM) is necessary and sufficient to bind ATG8CL and localize to host autophagosomes. Contains 5 tandem repeated WY-domains dispensable for the interaction with ATG8CL and which function has still to be determined. Belongs to the RxLR effector family. Twisting fate - Issue 214 of May 2019