Preface:
Lung cancer is a common cause of cancer-related death worldwide[1-4], and the incidence and mortality rate of lung cancer are projected to rise in the next few decades. Therefore, lung cancer remains a public health concern [5].Histopathologically, lung cancer is broadly classified into two types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The NSCLC accounts for about 85% of lung cancer cases, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma are the main histological subtypes. NSCLC is the most common histologic type, with a 5-year overall survival rate (OS) of approximately 15%[6-8]. Therefore, it is particularly important to identify more critical factors influencing efficacy of NSCLC treatment.
Recently, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone or in combination with chemotherapy has greatly improved cancer treatment outcomes. However, only a few patients (15%) respond to ICIs, which has generated considerable urgency in identifying immune factors affecting its efficacy [9-11].
Recent advances in understanding tumor immunity have led to the rapid development of cell-based immunotherapy strategies targeting antigen-presenting cells (APC), T cells, and tumor cells. Among them, the DC-T cell axis has been the focus of recent aims for developing anticancer therapies. DC can mediate the initiation of adaptive immune responses of T cells and directly kill tumor cells[12-13]. The DC-T cell axis is a bridge connecting innate immunity and adaptive immunity, playing a pivotal role in the development of specific immunity. Therefore, focusing on the DC-T cell axis provides a comprehensive understanding of the interaction of DC and T cell in the treatment of NSCLC. Additionally, the work explores new therapeutic opportunities to overcome the immune tolerance of NSCLC and improve the prognosis of NSCLC patients.