Integrins not only mediate cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix adhesion, but also affect the multitude of signal transduction cascades in control of cell survival, proliferation, differentiation and organ development. Mutations in integrins or the major effectors of integrin signalling pathways cause defective organ development, immunodeficiency, cancer or autoimmune disease. Understanding of the signalling events that drive integrin activation and signalling is therefore crucial to uncover the molecular mechanisms of these diseases. This review discusses the key signalling complexes regulating integrin activation and function in both ‘inside‐out’ and ‘outside‐in’ pathways in T lymphocytes, including kinases, SLP‐76, VAV1, ADAP, SKAP‐55, RapL, RIAM, Rap1, Talin and Kindlin.