Dendritic cell (DC) (DC)

Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells that play a crucial role in the initiation and maintenance of antitumor immune responses. They recognize, engulf, and process antigens—including those derived from tumor cells—then migrate to lymph nodes where they activate T lymphocytes to induce adaptive immune responses. In cancer, dendritic cell function can be impaired by the suppressive tumor microenvironment, leading to reduced antitumor immunity. Therapeutic strategies such as dendritic cell vaccines aim to restore or enhance DC activation for improved cancer immunotherapy.

Other names

Antigen-presenting dendritic cellProfessional antigen-presenting cell (APC)Tumor-infiltrating dendritic cell

Induction of antitumor T cell responses via antigen cross-presentation Maturation and migration to lymph nodes Enhancement of costimulatory signaling