Perspective Chapter: Dendritic Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment

Abstract

Tumor infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in initiating the process of anti-tumor immune responses. They can uptake tumor antigens either directly at the tumor site or from circulating antigens, and elicit T cell activation and adaptive immunity in secondary lymphoid organs. Subtypes of dendritic cells have various roles in immunity and tumor rejection. In this chapter, we will summarize the role of dendritic cell populations on mounting anti-tumor immunity. Conversely, we will discuss tumor-mediated dysfunction of dendritic cells that aid immune evasion including prevention of recruitment, impairment in antigen presenting and mediation of tolerance. At last, we briefly introduced the progress in DC vaccine applications in clinic.