Dendritic cells and cancer: Development, dysfunction and therapeutic targets

Abstract

Dendritic cells serve a unique and diverse role in cancer pathogenesis and therapy. On the one hand, dendritic cells are recruited to developing tumors and like many myeloid cells that infiltrate tumors, they exert immune-suppressive effects. On the other hand, dendritic cells have been employed as a tool to initiate anti-tumor immune responses. This chapter discusses these seemingly opposing roles in cancer and identifies some potential strategies that may ensure more durable anti-tumor immune responses.