Dendritic cell maturation in the tumor microenvironment

Abstract

Maturation is essential for dendritic cells (DCs) to function as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. The plastic maturation states correspond to the multifaceted roles of DCs in the initiation of protective, tolerogenic and pathogenic immune responses. The formation of a distinct maturation state of DCs involves the complex crosstalk between the intrinsic differences in their ontogeny and the immune environments. Recent studies have defined a universal mature DC population in the tumor microenvironment (TME), but their ontogenesis and functions remain unclear. Here, we summarize recent advances in DC maturation and attempt to dissect the complex functions of mature DCs in the TME. We highlighted that there is a distinct similarity and heterogeneity of mature DCs in the TME, in which the environment and development are both important. These help us revisit the diversity of DC maturation and to better dissect the complex functions of DCs in the TME.