The CD22 cell-surface adhesion molecule is capable of modulating B lymphocyte antigen receptor (BCR)-mediated signals, as well as the generation of BCR-independent signals. Within the cytoplasmic domain of CD22 are motifs that are structurally homologous to known activation and inhibitory motifs. These motifs demonstrate physiologic significance via associations with known effector proteins that likely mediate their corresponding inhibitory and activation roles. Furthermore, the targeted deletion of CD22 in mice results in phenotypic changes and alterations in BCR-mediated signal transduction that are consistent with both positive and negative roles for CD22 in B cell development and activation.