Dendritic cell-based cancer vaccination: quo vadis?
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in the initiation and regulation of primary immune responses. DCs loaded with tumor-associated antigens induce anti-tumoral cytotoxic T cells in vitro and in vivo. However, clinical trials using ex vivo-generated DCs have failed to demonstrate clinical efficacy. This review summarizes recent advances in concepts and techniques that are providing new impulses to DC-based cancer vaccination. Improvements in protocols for ex vivo-generation of DCs, innovations in immunomonitoring, strategies to overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression and insights into the mutual beneficial effects of vaccines and chemotherapy are all considered. Furthermore, we highlight novel developments in cell-free vaccines targeting DCs in vivo.
Dauer
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Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology (Medizinische Klinik II), Saarland University Hospital, Kirrberger Str., 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany. marc.dauer@uniklinikum-saarland.de
Schnurr
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M
Eigler
A
A