Figure 2.

CAR-T cells overcome some limitations of T cell immunobiology. a) Naïve T cells require encounter with antigen presenting cells (APCs) possessing antigens on MHC molecules with appropriate costimulatory signals (such as CD80/CD86) in lymph nodes. This induces T-cell differentiation and acquisition of effector functions, such as secretion of cytolytic granules containing perforin and granzyme and production of cytokines (IFNγ, TNFα, and others). Upon encountering the same antigen in the correct MHC molecules on cancer cells, T cells employ those effector mechanisms to induce cancer cell death. b) In contrast, CAR-T cells are manufactured in the laboratory and can detect cancer cell targets directly, without the need for MHC molecules, to induce cancer cell death.