[Fibronectin and its role in granuloma formation]

Fibronectin (F) is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein widely presented on the cell surface of fibroblasts, monocytes, endothelial cells and several types of other cells. It is also available in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue and in plasma. Active biologically, F is involved in cell-to-cell and cell-to-substrate adhesion, migration and differentiation of cells, maintenance of cellular structure, wound healing, blood coagulation and opsonic function. In addition, F has a special affinity to collagen, heparin, fibrin and fibrinogen. The above properties suggest F relevance to evolution of productive inflammation and granuloma development. The studies of F presentation, distribution, localization, concentration, function and influence on cell transformation throughout different stages of granuloma evolution can be helpful in elucidation of so far obscure traits of granuloma histogenesis.