Colorectal cancer (CRC) results from the accumulation of both genetic and epigenetic alterations of the genome. However, also the formation of an inflammatory milieu plays a pivotal role in tumor development and progression. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a relevant role in tumor by exerting differential pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic functions, depending on the local milieu. Quantitative and functional impairments of DCs have been widely observed in several types of cancer, including CRC, representing a tumor-escape mechanism employed by cancer cells to elude host immunosurveillance. Understanding the interactions between DCs and tumors is important for comprehending the mechanisms of tumor immune surveillance and escape, and provides novel approaches to therapy of cancer. This review summarizes updated information on the role of the DCs in colon cancer development and/or progression.
Keywords: APC, antigen presenting cells; CRC, Colorectal cancer; CTLA-4, anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4; DCregs, regulatory DCs; DCs, dendritic cells; GM-CSF, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor; HMGB, high mobility group box; HNSCC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; MDSCs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells; MHC, major histocompatibility complex; NK,natural killer; PAMP, pathogen-associated molecular pattern; PD-1, programmed death 1; PRRs, pattern recognition receptors; TDLNs, draining lymph nodes; TGF, transforming growth factor; TIDCs, tumor-infiltrating DCs; TLR, toll-like receptor; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; Th, T helper; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; colorectal cancer; dendritic cells; immune response; immunoescape; mDCs, myeloid dendritic cells; pDCs, plasmacytoid dendritic cells; tumor microenvironment.