Pathophysiology of Dendritic Cells in Cancer

Abstract

Immune system plays a crucial role in tumor growth process. It exerts cancer surveillance function via innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, nonetheless tumor may exploit various immune cells to escape specific immune response. Dendritic cells are the primary antigen presenting cells, which mediate immune response against cancer cells. Dendritic cells are capable of processing and presenting tumor antigens to T cells, which results in tumor-specific T cell- mediated response. However, adoptive therapy with dendritic cells demonstrates poor clinical outcomes. Among a variety of factors, the impact of tumor microenvironment on dendritic cells may be the primary one. Therefore, tumor-derived factors, which lead to dendritic cells malfunction, may be the key target for improving dendritic cell - based therapy. Meanwhile, recovery of dendritic cell functions in cancer patients remains one of primary aims for cancer immunotherapy. This review outlines main types of tumor-induced dendritic cells dysfunctions in cancer.