Dendritic cells, which are derived from monocytes, are the most potent of the antigen-presenting cell types. They have long, branched projections that resemble the dendrites of a neuron, and they assist in the maturation process (Tortura & Derrickson). They play a role in anti tumor immunity because of their ability to acquire, process, and present to T lymphocytes tumor-derived antigens. There is current research being studied involving the correlation between various roles of dendritic cells and cancer treatment.
Research has show that dendritic cells can directly attack cancer cells and then present tumor antigens visible to T cells. Antigen presentation makes it easier for the immune system cells to recognize and attack cancer cells (Immunotherapy). Dendritic cells are immune cells that determine the type and regulate the strength and duration of T-cell responses. Also, they contribute to natural killer and natural killer T-cell anti tumor function and to B-cell-mediated immunity (PubMed).
The potential impact of the cytotoxic function of dendritic cells on their ability to present antigens has been a focus of intensive research. This examines the possible strategies to exploit the killing potential of dendritic cells in cancer immunotherapy (PubMed). By understanding the basic science behind the immune system, researchers will have more tools to combat disease and less people could suffer as a result.
Gerard J. Tortora and Bryan Derrickson. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons, 2012.
Hanke N, Alizadeh D, Katsanis E, Larmonier N (2013)
Dendritic cell tumor killing activity and its potential applications in cancer immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy. Cancer Vaccines. 25 March 2013. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/immunotherapy/immunotherapy-cancer-vaccines