Activated T lymphocytes and macrophages secrete fibronectin which strongly supports cell adhesion

Matrix-bound fibronectin (FN) appears to be involved in cell adhesion and motility mediated by integrin receptors. Although lymphoid cells and other cell types are capable of producing and secreting FN, the precise role of this secreted FN-like factor in regulating immune reactions is unclear. In the present study we analyzed the adhesive properties of FN secreted by rat CD4+ T cells and clone cells activated by the T cell mitogen concanavalin A (Con A), antigen, or via the CD2 pathways, or by macrophages (M phi) activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Immobilized culture supernatant (CS) from the activated T cells or M phi supports the adhesion of activated rat or human CD4+ T cell or murine tumor cell. These CS contained FN and were more potent at facilitating cell adhesion then plasma FN. The adhesion activity of CS was attributed to FN because (a) gelatin columns depleted the FN present in the CS and (b) pretreating the cells with peptides of the cell-binding domain of FN abrogated their ability to bind CS. CS-mediated adhesion appears to occur primarily via the recognition of the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) by the beta 1-integrin-specific receptors of the adhesive cells. Thus, we postulate that FN secreted by various types of leukocytes is involved in promoting essential cell-matrix interactions, possibly affecting cell-adhesive and migratory processes at inflammatory or extravasation sites.