The role of adaptor proteins in lymphocyte activation

Abstract

Research within the last 10 years has provided compelling evidence that adaptor proteins regulate the major pathways of lymphocyte activation. Based upon their differential subcellular localization, transmembrane adaptors and cytosolic adaptors can be distinguished. Here we review some of the most recent findings about both types of adaptor proteins which have facilitated our understanding how immunoreceptors control lymphocyte activation and differentiation.