Dendritic cells (DC) are considered the most effective antigen-presenting cells. This elements are derived from bone marrow progenitors and circulate as immature precursors. Upon appropiate stimulation, DC undergo maturation and migrate to secondary lymphoid tissues where they present antigens to T lymphocytes and induce an immune response. DC can be generated and manipulated in vitro to present tumor or pathogen-specific antigens. Once activated, they can be administered to patients acting as cellular vaccines and representing the basis of many ongoing clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy.