Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial in shaping anti-tumor T cell responses. They regulate both innate and adaptive immunity and play a key role in anti-tumor immunity. DCs are a heterogeneous population with varying functions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated DCs differentiate into three main subsets: conventional DCs (cDCs), plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), and monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs). cDCs are further divided into cDC1 and cDC2. cDC1 is critical for cross-presenting tumor antigens to activate CD8⁺ T cells and is also required for priming CD4⁺ T cells in certain tumors. cDC2 is vital for priming anti-tumor CD4⁺ T cells in multiple tumor models. pDCs produce type I IFN and are involved in immunosuppression in the TME. MoDCs can cross-prime CD8⁺ T cells. Reprogramming tumor-infiltrating DCs has shown significant therapeutic potential in pre-clinical models. This review summarizes the subsets and functions of DCs and their role in shaping the anti-tumor T cell immune response. Different DC subsets contribute to T cell immunity in the TME and targeting DCs may offer potential immunotherapeutic benefits against cancer. DCs play a pivotal role in antigen uptake, processing, and presentation. They can cross-present antigens to activate CD8⁺ T cells and present antigens to CD4⁺ T cells. DCs can also regulate T cell activation through co-stimulatory molecules and cytokines. The TME can influence DC function, leading to immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory effects. Understanding DC subsets and their roles in the TME is essential for developing effective immunotherapies. Targeting DCs may enhance anti-tumor T cell responses and improve cancer immunotherapy.Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial in shaping anti-tumor T cell responses. They regulate both innate and adaptive immunity and play a key role in anti-tumor immunity. DCs are a heterogeneous population with varying functions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated DCs differentiate into three main subsets: conventional DCs (cDCs), plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), and monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs). cDCs are further divided into cDC1 and cDC2. cDC1 is critical for cross-presenting tumor antigens to activate CD8⁺ T cells and is also required for priming CD4⁺ T cells in certain tumors. cDC2 is vital for priming anti-tumor CD4⁺ T cells in multiple tumor models. pDCs produce type I IFN and are involved in immunosuppression in the TME. MoDCs can cross-prime CD8⁺ T cells. Reprogramming tumor-infiltrating DCs has shown significant therapeutic potential in pre-clinical models. This review summarizes the subsets and functions of DCs and their role in shaping the anti-tumor T cell immune response. Different DC subsets contribute to T cell immunity in the TME and targeting DCs may offer potential immunotherapeutic benefits against cancer. DCs play a pivotal role in antigen uptake, processing, and presentation. They can cross-present antigens to activate CD8⁺ T cells and present antigens to CD4⁺ T cells. DCs can also regulate T cell activation through co-stimulatory molecules and cytokines. The TME can influence DC function, leading to immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory effects. Understanding DC subsets and their roles in the TME is essential for developing effective immunotherapies. Targeting DCs may enhance anti-tumor T cell responses and improve cancer immunotherapy.