Clumping Factor A (ClfA)

Clumping factor A, or ClfA, is a virulence factor from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) that binds to fibrinogen. ClfA also has been shown to bind to complement regulator I protein. It is responsible for the clumping of blood plasma observed when adding S. aureus to human plasma. Clumping factor can be detected by the slide test. Clumping factor A (ClfA) is a surface protein of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria known for its ability to bind the C-terminus of plasma fibrinogen gamma chain, which participates in mediating fibrinogen-platelet interaction and fibrin cross-linking, resulting in thrombus formation. With an aim to develop agents that block fibrinogen gamma chain C-terminus, the fibrinogen-binding segment of ClfA locating at residues 221-550 was produced by recombinant technology and tested for its ability to inhibit platelet functions and fibrin clot formation.