Key Points
The therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) are usually attributed to its up- or downregulation of immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) as professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) play a central role in the initiation and regulation of immune responses. A number of TCM herbal medicines or their components have in vitro and in vivo activity in promoting major functions of DCs. The promotion of DC function may underlie the efficacy of TCM in the treatment of immunosuppressive diseases, such as cancer and viral infection. These findings also provide the basis for the development of novel therapeutic agents from traditional medicinal botanicals.