American Association for Cancer Research: dendritic cells: strategies and vaccines. April 1-5, 2000, San Francisco, CA, USA

Several major sessions on dendritic cells (DCs) reflected the importance of these members of the immune system within cancer research. Technical hurdles to their routine propagation were largely overcome within the past decade, so the study of precursors, as well as the numerous types of dendritic cells, is the focus of intense research. In vitro studies were presented that described further refinements in dendritic cells are collected and culture. Cytokines and other growth factors have been analysed to assess their contribution to the ability of dendritic cells to intake, process and present antigen. In some instances, the dendritic cells themselves are genetically altered to improve their natural biological activity. Many studies have advanced from in vitro work and demonstrated utility in various animal models. Ultimately, there is the hopeful, steady progress into the increasing numbers of experimental immunotherapies against human cancer.