Chimeric antigen receptors are synthetic, genetically modified receptors of T-cells. The introduction of chimeric antigen receptors into autologous patient T-cells can redirect the lymphocytes to specific antigen targets on the surface of malignant cells. This has recently emerged as an intriguing therapy approach in both hematologic malignancies and later also in solid tumors. Various chimeric antigen receptor designs and manufacturing processes were developed and seem to have a strong impact on the activity of chimeric antigen receptor T-lymphocytes and thereby the therapy success. The individual variables are currently being tested in numerous clinical trials. In this review, I will briefly describe the principle, basic structure and construction of chimeric antigen receptor T-lymphocytes.