Attachment of rous sarcoma virus to the fibronectin matrix of infected chick embryo fibroblasts.

During the early period of Rous Sarcoma Virus release from infected chick embryo fibroblasts, virions in close association with the extracellular fibrillar matrix were observed. This association was best seen in preparations fixed and embedded in situ and cut parallel to the basal surface of the cells. Goniometric and immunoenzymatic studies showed that virions were indeed attached to the fibrillar matrix and that these fibrils contained fibronectin. Fibronectin can be detected also on the virion surface.