Tumor destruction and in situ delivery of antigen presenting cells promote anti-neoplastic immune responses: implications for the immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer.

Antigen presenting cells (APCs) activate helper and cytotoxic T cells specific for antigens expressed by tissue cells, including neoplastic cells. This event occurs after the antigen transfer from tissue cells to APC, and is referred to as "cross-presentation". The number and the state of activation of APC in the tumor control the outcome of cross-presentation, including the establishment of protective immune responses.