Several studies indicate that most tumours are immunogenic and they rarely succeed to induce an efficient immune response. Many mechanisms have been involved in the tumour escape from host immune surveillance. The tumour microenvironment has emerged as an important component contributing to dendritic cells (DCs) dysfunction. There is evidence that DCs play a key role in the induction of tumour-specific immune responses, especially via cross-priming through MHC-class I antigens presentation. In this review we will discuss the potential role of the tumour microenvironment in DCs dysfunction.