[Dendritic cells for cancer immunotherapy].

Dendritic cells (DC) are the antigen presenting cells that initiate and regulate immunity. There are distinct DC subsets with specialized functions spread throughout the body. The type of immune response is determined by the DC subsets involved. Therefore, it is important to understand distinct phenotype and functions of these DC subsets in terms of antigen uptake and processing for MHC class I- and II-restricted presentation and receptors for foreign and endogenous signals. These insights facilitate the direct targeting of antigens to DC surface receptors in vivo rather than ex vivo culturing DC and antigen loading. In addition, novel DC immunotherapies will be in combination with drugs targeting immunological check points.