Dendritic cell-based therapy: a review focusing on antigenic selection.

Recently, technologies have developed that allow for the culturing of antigen-presenting cells (APC), such as dendritic cells (DC). The normal function of these cells is to present antigens to T cells, which then specifically recognize and ultimately eliminate the antigen source. Over the past number of years, these cells have been used in a variety of different immunotherapeutic strategies. Paramount in the success of such endeavors is the generation of desired T cell responses through the selection of appropriate antigens. This paper will serve to discuss the development and current status of dendritic cell-based therapy focusing on antigen selection for cancer.