AIM: To analyze the phenotype and function of dendritic cells (DC) from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in order to understand their role in this disease.METHODS: Myeloid dendritic cells were enumerated in peripheral blood of HCC patients. CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR expression on naive and stimulated myeloid dendritic cells from peripheral blood were analyzed. Myeloid dendritic cells were isolated from peripheral blood and their function was tested. Phagocytosis was analyzed using FITC-dextran beads, peptide specific stimulation, the capacity to stimulate allogeneic T cells and secretion of cytokines upon poly dI:dC was tested.RESULTS: Myeloid dendritic cells were reduced in patients with HCC. No differences in CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR expression were found on naive and stimulated myeloid dendritic cells from HCC patients and healthy controls. Normal phagocytosis or stimulation of peptide specific T cells was observed in contrast to an impaired allo-stimulatory capacity and a reduced IL-12 secretion.CONCLUSION: Impaired IL-12 production of mDCs in patients could lead to an impaired stimulatory capacity of naive T cells suggesting that IL-12 directed therapies may enhance tumor specific immune responses in HCC patients.