V2 protein encoded by Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus is an RNA silencing suppressor

► TYLCCNV V2 could inhibit local and systemic RNA silencing and bind siRNA. ► The V2 protein via PVX expression induced severe symptoms in Nicotiana benthamiana. ► V2 could interact with itself, but not with SlSGS3. ► TYLCCNV V2 is an RNA silencing suppressor, possibly through sequestering siRNA molecules.