Dendritic cells (DC) are very important antigen presenting cells(APC) in immune response. DC gradually gets mature while it migrates in vivo. Compared with mature DC, immature DC plays a different role in immune response. In this review, the recent advances in researches on specific cell surface marker and costimulatory molecules on DC as well as their immunological significance and methodology of propagation in vitro are discussed. It may be beneficial for further study of DC.