Binding and factor XIIIa-mediated cross-linking of a 27-kilodalton fragment of fibronectin to Staphylococcus aureus.

A 27-kilodalton tryptic fragment, derived from the amino terminus of the 200-kilodalton fibronectin subunit, inhibited binding of intact fibronectin to Staphylococcus aureus and could be cross-linked to Staphylococcus aureus by blood coagulation Factor XIIIa. Interactions of fibronectin with Staphylococcus aureus via this fragment may be important for bacterial opsonization and attachment.