Abstract

The immune system, which is indispensible for controlling neoplasias, relies on its innate and acquired immunity components to mount an effective response against tumors. In this context, dendritic cells (DCs) are seen as the best antigen-presenting cells because of their capacity for cross-presentation, which can activate both T-helper and cytotoxic lymphocytes. Thus immunotherapy with DCs is considered promising, especially for early-stage cancers. This article provides a clarifying review of recent perspectives on the development of cancer immunotherapy, which has a wide potential for therapeutic applications, and of patents related to immunotherapy with DCs.

Keywords: Cancer, dendritic cells, immunotherapy, immune response, therapeutic potential, tumor.