Peroxiredoxins from the plant parasitic root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, are required for successful development within the host

► Antioxidant enzymes protect living cells from the damaging effect of oxidative stresses. ► Within the phylum Nematoda, peroxiredoxin (prx) genes cluster into three clades and gene family expansions were observed in parasitic species. ► In the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita, clade B prx are expressed in tissues in close contact with the environment and with plant cells during parasitism. ► Knock-down of clade B prx affected nematode development within the host. ► Clade B prx could protect the nematode from oxidative stresses by limiting damage from respiratory activity or from radicals produced by the plant as a defense response to parasitism.