Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy: The Importance of Dendritic Cell Migration

J Immunol Res. 2024 Apr 8:2024:7827246. doi: 10.1155/2024/7827246. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that are crucial for maintaining self-tolerance, initiating immune responses against pathogens, and patrolling body compartments. Despite promising aspects, DC-based immunotherapy faces challenges that include limited availability, immune escape in tumors, immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment, and the need for effective combination therapies. A further limitation in DC-based immunotherapy is the low population of migratory DC (around 5%-10%) that migrate to lymph nodes (LNs) through afferent lymphatics depending on the LN draining site. By increasing the population of migratory DCs, DC-based immunotherapy could enhance immunotherapeutic effects on target diseases. This paper reviews the importance of DC migration and current research progress in the context of DC-based immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Movement
  • Dendritic Cells*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Lymph Nodes
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Tumor Microenvironment