Fibronectin in Corneal Wound Healing

Fibronectin is an extracellular structural protein with the unique ability to bind to both cells and collagen. It plays a major role in the development of the cornea. The universal appearance of fibronectin within 8 hours of corneal wounding has promoted major interest in its wound healing properties. The early clinical evidence for fibronectin treatment of recurrent corneal erosion and certain forms of keratitis sicca is strong. The current major problem preventing commercial use is the antigenic nature of fibronectin derived from separate species. Human pooled fibronectin has been suggested as a commercial source of this ubiquitously occurring protein.