Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) possess a specialized function in presenting antigens and play pivotal roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Their ability to cross-present antigens from tumor cells to naïve T cells is instrumental in generating specific T-cell-mediated antitumor responses, crucial for controlling tumor growth and preventing tumor cell dissemination. However, within a tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), the functions of DCs can be significantly compromised. This review focuses on the profile, function, and activation of DCs, leveraging recent studies that reveal insights into their phenotype acquisition, transcriptional state, and functional programs through single-cell RNA sequence (scRNA-seq) analysis. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of DC-mediated tumor antigen sensing in priming antitumor immunity is discussed.