The ability of chemotherapeutics to trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells and elicit anti-tumor immunity has been postulated to depend on the combined release of tumor-derived antigens and danger-associated molecules (DAMPs) that provide adjuvanticity. How DAMPs trigger dendritic cell (DC) activation and mediate adjuvanticity remains highly debated. Leveraging the insights my lab gained in dissecting DC maturation pathways, we aim to close this gap by studying how ICD affects DC maturation in vivo. To this end, we will make use of a recently established toolbox that unambiguously distinguishes homeostatic from immunogenic DC maturation. In addition, we will define which DC-based sensors and signaling pathways are needed to decode ICD. This will allow us to revise the current concepts of ICD and the role of DAMPs in shaping DC functioning. Considering the immense power of ICD, this knowledge is of utmost importance for the future of chemotherapy.