Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial in cancer immunotherapy due to their role in antigen presentation and immune regulation. They are natural antigen delivery vehicles and play a central role in linking innate and adaptive immunity. DCs can be activated by various signals, including those from pathogens and adjuvants, leading to the generation of antigen-specific T cells that can target cancer cells. DC-based vaccines aim to induce tumor-specific effector T cells and immunological memory to control tumor relapse. The biology of DCs involves capturing antigens, processing them, and presenting them to T cells in lymphoid tissues. Different DC subsets, such as pDCs and mDCs, have distinct functions in immune responses. DCs can be manipulated to enhance their antigen-presenting capabilities, and their maturation is critical for effective immune responses. However, tumors can interfere with DC function by altering their maturation and promoting immunosuppressive environments. Understanding DC biology and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment is essential for developing effective cancer immunotherapies. Current research focuses on improving DC-based vaccines and combining them with other immunotherapies to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Challenges include overcoming immunosuppressive signals in the tumor microenvironment and ensuring the safety and efficacy of DC-based treatments. The future of cancer immunotherapy may involve rewiring DC pathways to promote anti-tumor immunity.Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial in cancer immunotherapy due to their role in antigen presentation and immune regulation. They are natural antigen delivery vehicles and play a central role in linking innate and adaptive immunity. DCs can be activated by various signals, including those from pathogens and adjuvants, leading to the generation of antigen-specific T cells that can target cancer cells. DC-based vaccines aim to induce tumor-specific effector T cells and immunological memory to control tumor relapse. The biology of DCs involves capturing antigens, processing them, and presenting them to T cells in lymphoid tissues. Different DC subsets, such as pDCs and mDCs, have distinct functions in immune responses. DCs can be manipulated to enhance their antigen-presenting capabilities, and their maturation is critical for effective immune responses. However, tumors can interfere with DC function by altering their maturation and promoting immunosuppressive environments. Understanding DC biology and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment is essential for developing effective cancer immunotherapies. Current research focuses on improving DC-based vaccines and combining them with other immunotherapies to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Challenges include overcoming immunosuppressive signals in the tumor microenvironment and ensuring the safety and efficacy of DC-based treatments. The future of cancer immunotherapy may involve rewiring DC pathways to promote anti-tumor immunity.