Targeting Antigens to Dendritic Cell Receptors for Vaccine Development

Abstract EN

Dendritic cells (DCs) are highly specialized antigen presenting cells of the immune system which play a key role in regulating immune responses.

Depending on the method of antigen delivery, DCs stimulate immune responses or induce tolerance.

As a consequence of the dual function of DCs, DCs are studied in the context of immunotherapy for both cancer and autoimmune diseases.

In vaccine development, a major aim is to induce strong, specific T-cell responses.

This is achieved by targeting antigen to cell surface molecules on DCs that efficiently channel the antigen into endocytic compartments for loading onto MHC molecules and stimulation of T-cell responses.

The most attractive cell surface receptors, expressed on DCs used as targets for antigen delivery for cancer and other diseases, are discussed.