SKAP2—A Molecule at the Crossroads for Integrin Signalling and Immune Cell Migration and Function

Abstract

Src-kinase associated protein 2 (SKAP2) is an intracellular scaffolding protein that is broadly expressed in immune cells and is involved in various downstream signalling pathways, including, but not limited to, integrin signalling. SKAP2 has a wide range of binding partners and fine-tunes the rearrangement of the cytoskeleton, thereby regulating cell migration and immune cell function. Mutations in SKAP2 have been associated with several inflammatory disorders such as Type 1 Diabetes and Crohn’s disease. Rodent studies showed that SKAP2 deficient immune cells have diminished pathogen clearance due to impaired ROS production and/or phagocytosis. However, there is currently no in-depth understanding of the functioning of SKAP2. Nevertheless, this review summarises the existing knowledge with a focus of its role in signalling cascades involved in cell migration, tissue infiltration and immune cell function.