Tumor-associated antigen cross-presentation via major histocompatibility complex class I on dendritic cell

Tumor-associated antigen cross-presentation via major histocompatibility complex class I on dendritic cell is the process whereby dendritic cells capture extracellular tumor antigens, process them, and present them on MHC class I molecules to CD8^+^ T cells. Unlike the classical MHC I pathway, which presents endogenous antigens, this mechanism allows immune surveillance of tumors and infected cells by activating cytotoxic T cell responses. Cross-presentation is crucial for initiating effective anti-tumor immunity and is actively explored in cancer vaccines and immunotherapies. The process involves specialized pathways within dendritic cells, including vacuolar and cytosolic routes, and is enhanced by certain surface receptors and immune factors.

Other names

Cross-presentation of tumor antigens by dendritic cellsMHC class I-mediated cross-presentationAntigen cross-presentation

Drugs/vaccines designed to enhance dendritic cell uptake, processing, and cross-presentation of tumor antigens via MHC I induce robust CD8^+^ T cell responses to tumors