Adaptor proteins in lymphocyte antigen-receptor signaling.

Adaptor molecules, proteins that possess no intrinsic enzymatic function, but which mediate protein-protein interactions, have a critical role in integrating signal transduction pathways following engagement of cell-surface receptors. Several newly described adaptor molecules have been shown to serve important functions in the regulation of signaling events initiated by lymphocyte antigen receptors. Understanding how these adaptor proteins function to modulate signaling cascades will provide important insights into the complex biology of lymphocyte activation.