Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are synthetic receptors designed to redirect immune cell specificity by enabling T lymphocytes (or other immune effector cells) to recognize antigens independently of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) presentation. A typical CAR consists of an antigen recognition domain (usually an scFv), an extracellular hinge region, a transmembrane domain, and intracellular signaling domains for T cell activation. Upon encountering their specific antigen, CAR-modified T cells become activated, leading to proliferation, cytokine release, and direct killing of target-expressing cells. The primary clinical application is in cancer immunotherapy, especially hematologic malignancies.

T cell activation and target cell lysis upon antigen binding