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Dendritic cell biology and cancer therapy

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Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are nature’s best antigen-presenting cells. They possess attributes that allow them to effectively fulfill the requirements for priming/activating T cells and mediating tumor-specific immune responses. In this review, emphasis is placed on those aspects of DC biology that best illustrate their usefulness in immunotherapy of cancer. Culture, maturation, and polarization conditions for human DC are discussed, as are strategies for antigen-loading of DCs and for their delivery to patients with cancer. A concise recommendation for monitoring of DC-based vaccination trails is provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Pavilion at the Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1863, USA

    Theresa L. Whiteside & Christine Odoux

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  1. Theresa L. Whiteside
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  2. Christine Odoux
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Theresa L. Whiteside.

Additional information

This work was presented at the first Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Summer School, 8–13 September 2003, Ionian Village, Bartholomeio, Peloponnese, Greece.

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Whiteside, T.L., Odoux, C. Dendritic cell biology and cancer therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 53, 240–248 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-003-0468-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-003-0468-6

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