Abstract: The disclosure relates to chimeric antigen receptors and immune effector cells bearing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Disclosed herein are improved CARs that are able to recruit Lck and/or and PLC? without the need to express CD2, thereby providing efficient CAR function without the risk of CD2-induced fratricide; optionally, the CARs also comprise CD132. Further disclosed herein are improved CARs specific for CD2. Further disclosed herein are improved immune effector cells bearing such improved CARs, therapeutic compositions comprising such improved immune effector cells, and methods for treating cancer using such improved immune effector cells and/or therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are transmembrane proteins comprising at least two chains, each chain comprising an endodomain, a transmembrane domain, and an ectodomain; wherein the ectodomains of the at least two chains of the transmembrane protein interact together to bind to a drug or soluble protein; wherein the endodomains of the at least two chains of the transmembrane protein together comprise a structure functionally similar to that of an IL-2 receptor endodomain, an IL-7 receptor endodomain, or an IL-15 receptor endodomain; and wherein binding of the drug or soluble protein to the ectodomain activates IL-2, IL-7, or IL-15 signaling in CAR-bearing immune effector cells.