Dendritic cells (DCs) are key regulators of immune responses that operate at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity, and defects in DC functions contribute to the pathogenesis of a variety of disorders. For instance, cancer evolves in the context of limited DC activity, and some autoimmune diseases are initiated by DC-dependent antigen presentation. Thus, correcting aberrant DC functions stands out as a promising therapeutic paradigm for a variety of diseases, as demonstrated by an abundant preclinical and clinical literature accumulating over the past two decades. However, the therapeutic potential of DC-targeting approaches remains to be fully exploited in the clinic. Here, we discuss the unique features of DCs that underlie the high therapeutic potential of DC-targeting strategies and critically analyze the obstacles that have prevented the full realization of this promising paradigm.

• Keywords
• autoimmune disorders, cancer, dendritic cells, immunotherapy, vaccine preparation,
• MeSH
• Antigen-Presenting Cells immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Autoimmunity MeSH
• Autoimmune Diseases etiology   metabolism   therapy   MeSH
• Cell Differentiation genetics   immunology   MeSH
• Dendritic Cells immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Immunity * MeSH
• Immune Tolerance * MeSH
• Immunotherapy MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cell Communication MeSH
• Disease Susceptibility MeSH
• Neoplasms etiology   metabolism   pathology   therapy   MeSH
• Cell Plasticity genetics   immunology   MeSH
• Antigen Presentation immunology   MeSH
• Cancer Vaccines administration & dosage   immunology   MeSH
• T-Lymphocytes immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Cancer Vaccines MeSH