Inhibitory adaptors in lymphocytes

The negative regulation of lymphocyte activation and function is mediated by inhibition of signaling through antigen-receptor, co-stimulation receptor or cytokine receptor. The suppression of downstream signaling through antigen-receptor is mediated by negative regulators including adaptors and effectors such as phosphatases. Inhibitory adaptors exhibit their inhibitory function directly or indirectly by the localization to the vicinity of the antigen-receptor on the membrane. The strategy of inhibition by inhibitory adaptors includes the recruitment of inhibitory effector molecules, sequestration of positive regulators, internalization/degradation of receptor complexes, and the blockade of the dynamic movement of positive regulators. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.