Adapter protein that plays a key role in adaptive immune response by transducing the activation of NF-kappa-B downstream of T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) engagement. Transduces signals downstream TCR or BCR activation via the formation of a multiprotein complex together with BCL10 and MALT1 that induces NF-kappa-B and MAP kinase p38 (MAPK11, MAPK12, MAPK13 and/or MAPK14) pathways. Upon activation in response to TCR or BCR triggering, CARD11 homooligomerizes to form a nucleating helical template that recruits BCL10 via CARD-CARD interaction, thereby promoting polymerization of BCL10 and subsequent recruitment of MALT1: this leads to I-kappa-B kinase (IKK) phosphorylation and degradation, and release of NF-kappa-B proteins for nuclear translocation. Its binding to DPP4 induces T-cell proliferation and NF-kappa-B activation in a T-cell receptor/CD3-dependent manner. Promotes linear ubiquitination of BCL10 by promoting the targeting of BCL10 to RNF31/HOIP. Stimulates the phosphorylation of BCL10. Also activates the TORC1 signaling pathway.