Dendritic cell-dead cell interactions: Implications and relevance for immunotherapy

Dendritic cells are a system of antigen-presenting cells with an essential role in the initiation and development of immune responses against infections or tumors. Their unique capacity to stimulate T cells is being adapted for use in immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on their ability to interact with dead cells and, notably, to present exogenous antigens acquired from them to CD8(+) T cells. We also discuss the role of this unique antigen presentation pathway for immunotherapeutic development.