Binding to Human Extracellular Matrix by Neisseria meningitidis

Adhesion of Neisseria meningitidis strains to extracellular matrix (ECM) and purified matrix components was examined. Most strains bound to subendothelial ECM as well as to immobilized fibronectin and types I, III, and V collagen. Strains from healthy carriers adhered significantly better than isolates from patients. The binding site was localized to the central 75-kDa cell-binding domain of the fibronectin molecule. This domain has not been described previously to interact with bacterial structures.