Reprogramming Tumor Cells into Dendritic Cells: A Breakthrough in Cancer Immunotherapy

A novel approach to cancer immunotherapy has emerged through in vivo reprogramming of tumor cells into dendritic cell-like antigen presenters. By delivering the transcription factors PU.1, IRF8, and BATF3 via adenoviral vectors, researchers successfully converted tumor cells into type 1 conventional dendritic cells. These reprogrammed cells remodeled the tumor microenvironment, promoted polyclonal cytotoxic T cell expansion, induced tumor regression, and established systemic immunity in mouse melanoma models. Remarkably, this method demonstrated efficacy in human tumor spheroids and xenografts, overcoming typical immunosuppressive barriers. This innovative strategy could lead to transformative human clinical trials, offering hope for robust, immune-driven cancer therapies.