Antigen cross-presentation in dendric cells: From bench to bedside

• Published in: Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy 2023-12, Vol.168, p.115758-115758, Article 115758
• Main Authors: Zhang, Tingting, Aipire, Adila, Li, Yijie, Guo, Changying, Li, Jinyao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antitumor; Cross-presentation; Dendritic cells; MHC I
• ISSN: 0753-3322; 1950-6007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115758

Cross-presentation (XPT) is an adaptation of the cellular process in which dendritic cells (DCs) present exogenous antigens on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules for recognition of the cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells, resulting in immunity or tolerance. Recent advances in DCs have broadened our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of XPT and strengthened their application in tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we summarized the known mechanisms of XPT, including the receptor-mediated internalization of exogenous antigens, endosome escape, engagement of the other XPT-related proteins, and adjuvants, which significantly enhance the XPT capacity of DCs. Consequently, various strategies to enhance XPT can be adopted and optimized to improve outcomes of DC-based therapy. [Display omitted] •Receptor-mediated antigen uptake and antigen transportation improve XPT.•The delayed antigen degradation and accelerated MHC I circulation enhance XPT.•Adjuvants enhance antigen XPT in DCs through multiple mechanisms.•Antigen XPT elevated by various approaches promotes anti-tumor responses.