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The entomopathogen Bacillus thuringiensis is equipped with multiple virulent factors. The genome sequence of B. thuringiensis YBT1520 revealed the presence of a two‐domain protein named Nel which is composed of a necrosis‐inducing phytophthora protein 1‐like domain found in phytopathogens and a ricin B‐like lectin domain. The merging of two distantly related domains is relatively rare. Nel induced necrosis and pathogen‐triggered immunity (PTI) on model plants. The Nel also exhibited inhibition activity to nematode. Microscopic observation showed that the toxicity of Nel to nematodes targets the intestine. Quantitative proteomics revealed that Nel stimulated the host defence. The Nel thus possesses dual roles, as both toxin and elicitor. Remarkably, the Nel protein triggered a similar response, induction of the heat shock pathway and the necrosis pathway, in both model plants and nematodes. The …