Vitronectin in host pathogen interactions and antimicrobial therapeutic applications

Vitronectin (Vn) is a multifunctional glycoprotein profusely present in serum and bound to epithelial cell surfaces. It plays an important role in cell migration, tissue repair and regulation of membrane attack complex (MAC) formation. In the last decade the role of Vn has been extensively investigated in eukaryotic signalling and cell migration leading to the possibility of developing novel anticancer drugs. In parallel, several studies have suggested that pathogens utilize Vn in invasion of the host. Here we review the properties of Vn and its role in host-pathogen interactions that might be a future target for therapeutic intervention.