Evidence for steric regulation of fibrinogen binding to staphylococcus aureus fibronectin-binding protein a(FnBPA)

Background: Staphylococcus aureus fibronectin-binding protein A (FnBPA) binds fibronectin and fibrinogen at adjacent sites. Results: The fibrinogen-binding mechanism is similar but not identical to homologous bacterial proteins. Ternary complex formation by intact fibronectin and fibrinogen on adjacent FnBPA sites could not be demonstrated. Conclusion: Fibrinogen binding is sterically regulated by fibronectin binding. Significance: Steric regulation might result in targeting of S. aureus to fibrin clots.