Figure 8. A model comparing TCR versus CAR‐induced signaling.

1. Activated TCR triggers LAT phosphorylation, which promotes microcluster formation. Microclusters further transduce signal to downstream pathways that induce synapse formation and cytokine production. No microclusters or synapses are formed in the absence of LAT.
2. In contrast, when CAR is activated, it induces microcluster formation even in the absence of LAT. CAR could directly recruit LAT binding partners to trigger downstream signaling that leads to synapse formation and partial cytokine production.