To improve CIK cell activation towards autologous tumour cells, we here revealed that (i) CIK cells generated ex vivo from peripheral blood lymphocytes can be engineered with a CAR as a targeting and activating receptor, (ii) engineered CIK cells increase activation upon CAR engagement which is superior upon CD28-CD3ζ signaling, and (iii) redirected by the CAR, CIK cells from tumour patients exhibit improved activation towards autologous tumour cells. Here, CD28 is linked to neoplasm.