Role of Fibronectin in the Pathogenesis of Syphilis

Abstract

In recent years studies concerned with the attachment of Treponema pallidum to host cellshave focused on the possible role of fibronectin in mediation of this event. Although our understanding of in vitro fibronectin-T. pallidum interactions has increased markedly, considerable controversy exists concerning not only the kinetics of binding but whether fibronectin is the only matrix protein involved in attachment. Moreover, a unifying hypothesis concerned with the role of fibronectin in the pathogenesis of syphilis cannot be limited solely to early events. Further characterization of fibronectin-T. pallidum interactions must also take into consideration that the natural infection, characterized by distinct stages, is accompanied by immunologic responses that undoubtedly impact on those cellular interactions.