As the most potent antigen-presenting cells, dendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal players in regulating immune responses. DC-based technologies have generated a series of typical and promising therapeutic options, especially after the first DC-based cancer vaccine was approved by US. Food and Drug Administration (US. FDA). In this context, this paper employs patents and citation networks to conduct a fundamental analysis in order to show overall landscape of DC-based technologies. The results in this research can be used as references for decision-making in developing efficacious DC therapeutic products.
Keywords: DC, dendritic cell; R&D, research and development; US. FDA, US. Food and Drug Administration; US. PTO, US. Patent and Trademark Office; USPC, US. Patent Classification; citation network; dendritic cells; immunotherapy; patent landscape; patent ownership; patenting strategy; technology development.