Dendritic cell diversity and dysfunction in cancer: implications for immunotherapy and therapeutic targeting

Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise a heterogeneous population of specialized antigen-presenting cells that play central roles in the initiation and coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent advances in single-cell technologies and mechanistic studies have substantially expanded our understanding of DC subset heterogeneity, developmental trajectories, and functional specialization. Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), DCs are essential for the priming and maintenance of antitumor T cell immunity; however, they are also vulnerable to tumor-derived signals that drive dysfunction. Increasing evidence indicates that the functional status of DCs critically influences responsiveness to immunotherapies, particularly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Accordingly, therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring or enhancing DC function have emerged as promising approaches for the induction of durable antitumor immunity. In this review, we outline recent insights into DC subset diversity and functional states, discuss the consequences of DC dysfunction in cancer, and highlight emerging DC-centered therapeutic strategies for cancer immunotherapy.