Dendritic cell vaccines: Current research progress, challenges, and opportunities

This review examines the advancements in cancer immunotherapies, particularly focusing on dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines developed through in vitro methods. DCs are essential for connecting innate and adaptive immunity and serve as powerful antigen-presenting cells. They play an essential role in the anti-tumor immune response by activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. DC vaccines, which involve engineering DCs to express tumor-associated antigens and administering them to patients, potentially enhance the T-cell-mediated destruction of tumor cells. The review details the progression of DC vaccine preparation from simple antigenic peptide pulsing to advanced genetic modification and cell fusion techniques. It discusses the use of envelope fusogenic membrane glycoproteins and chemical agents, such as polyethylene glycol, to facilitate the fusion of DCs with tumor cells, creating fusion cell vaccines that exhibit anti-tumor efficacy in both preclinical and clinical settings. Recent developments of DC vaccines have utilized alternative vectors, addressing some limitations of previous vaccine generations. Additionally, the review examines the integration of DC vaccines with other immunotherapies to combat tumor-induced immunosuppression. Despite their potential, DC vaccines face challenges that necessitate further refinement of therapeutic strategies and clinical validation. In conclusion, this review underscores the pivotal role of DC vaccines in cancer therapy and elucidates ongoing endeavors to augment their efficacy via combination therapies and advanced preparation techniques.