Regulation of B cell function by linker proteins

Studies over the past few years have demonstrated the importance of linker or adaptor proteins in the signaling pathways activated by the B cell antig en-receptor. These proteins direct the appropriate subcellular localization of enzymatic complexes, amplify signaling pathways and integrate the funct ions of distinct signaling complexes. Many of the recently identified linke r proteins function through these distinct mechanisms to upregulate the BCR signaling pathway. In addition, linker proteins facilitate the influences of co-receptors that augment or dampen the BCR signaling pathway.