How do chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) work?

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are designed and engineered to selectively target molecules expressed on cellular surfaces. This interaction brings the CAR-expressing cell into close proximity with the target molecule-expressing cell, thus facilitating further interactions between the two cells. By introducing tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-targeting CARs to T cells, researchers hope to promote T cell recognition and interaction with tumor cells, bypass tumor immune evasion mechanisms, and facilitate T cell-mediated tumor cell killing.¹

References:
1. S. Yu, et al., “Chimeric antigen receptor T cells: a novel therapy for solid tumors,” J Hematol Oncol 10(1):78, 2017