Dendritic cells (DCs), discovered by Steinman in 1973, are the most powerful antigen-presenting cells known, named for the many dendritic or pseudopod-like protrusions that extend when they mature. Most DCs in the human body are immature, expressing low levels of co-stimulatory and adhesion factors, and have a low ability to stimulate proliferative responses in homogeneous mixed lymphocytes in vitro, but immature DCs have a strong ability to phagocytose antigens and differentiate into mature DCs upon uptake of antigens (including in vitro processing) or stimulation by certain factors, and mature DCs express high levels of co-stimulatory and adhesion factors. As the most powerful antigen-presenting cell (APC) identified so far, DCs can induce specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) production. Recent studies have shown that the application of tumor-associated antigens or antigenic peptides to sensitize DCs in vitro for transfusion or immunization in tumor-bearing hosts can induce anti-tumor immune responses with specific CTL. DCs are closely related to tumorigenesis and progression, and a high number of infiltrating DCs in most solid tumors is associated with a good patient prognosis. The core of an effective antitumor immune response is the generation of a cellular immune response dominated by CD8+ T cells, which is the basis of DC as an immunotherapeutic tool. On October 3, 2011, the Karolinska School of Medicine in Sweden announced that the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to American scientist Bruce Büttler and French scientist Jules Büttler. On October 3, 2011, the Karolinska Institute of Medicine announced that the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine will be awarded to American scientist Bruce Beutler, French scientist Jules Hoffmann, and Canadian scientist Jules Hoffmann. On October 3, 2011, the Karolinska Institute of Medicine announced that it had awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to American scientist Bruce Beutler, French scientist Jules Hoffmann, and Canadian scientist Ralph Steinman for their work on the human body. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to American scientist Bruce Beutler, French scientist Jules Hoffmann and Canadian scientist Ralph Steinman for their unique discoveries in the field of human immune system. Among them, Ralph Steinman was awarded the prize for his work on the “tree” and the “tree”. Unfortunately, Rockefeller University confirmed later in the day that the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Canadian cell biologist Ralph Steinman for his work on the discovery of dendritic cells and their role in the adaptive immune system. Ralph K. Steinman Steinman died last Friday, Sept. 30, at the age of 68. According to Rockefeller University, “Four years ago, Ralph Steinman was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Steinman, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer four years ago, was able to extend his life using a dendritic cell-based immunotherapy he invented.” It is reassuring to see the promise of dendritic cells (DCs) in the treatment of conditions such as cancer.