The cytosolic adapter protein ADAP (Adhesion and Degranulation-promoting Adapter Protein) is a key regulator for TCR- and chemokine-signaling events in CD4⁺ T cells. We have shown that loss of ADAP in T cells attenuates chemokine-induced migration ex vivo and T-cell homing in vivo. This defective T-cell migration correlates with an attenuated F-actin content in lymphocytes. One focus of the T cell adhesion and motility group is to identify the region or motifs within ADAP and the molecular mechanism how ADAP controls the actin cytoskeleton.

In addition, ADAP has been associated as a marker for depressive disorders. Thus, in our second aim we want to address whether ADAP could serve as a biomarker for depression and we want to clarify which cell type of the immune or nervous system is involved in stress coping.

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Dr. rer. nat. Stefanie Kliche