A critical assessment of fibronectin's opsonic role for bacteria and microaggregates.

Within recent years, the physiological roles of fibronectin (Fn) have begun to be elucidated. This review examines Fn's opsonic capabilities with respect to bacteria and microparticulates. Fn's ability to promote the phagocytosis of these targets by monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils is discussed in detail, as are the possible mechanisms through which Fn mediates these interactions. The controversies concerning the physiological importance of Fn for host homeostasis and its use as an indicator of reticuloendothelial system function are also addressed in this review.