Objective Immune response initiation and regulation require activation of dendritic cells (DCs). However, the mechanism by which ferritin, a carrier for immunogen, induces DCs maturation remains unclear. Results Recombinant ferritin nanoparticle (RFNp), were prepared through the baculovirus expression vector system, formed spherical and hollow cage-liked proteins with a diameter of approximately 12.17 +/- 0.87 nm. They induced bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC) maturation via surface molecules up-regulation of (MHC II, CD80, CD86 and CD40), increased pro-inflammatory cytokines production (IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma), and decreased antigen capturing capacity. They positively regulated I kappa B alpha and NF-kappa B (p65) phosphorylation, and facilitate NF-kappa B (p65) translocation into mature BMDCs nuclei. Following pre-treatment of RFNp-treated BMDCs with TLR4 and NF-kappa B (p65) inhibitors, respectively, surface molecule expression, pro-inflammatory cytokines production, and I kappa B alpha and NF-kappa B (p65) activities were suppressed. RFNp-treated BMDCs can also facilitate T-cell proliferation and differentiation into Th1 and Th2. Conclusion RFNps induced DCs maturation lends the potential application of RFNps as carrier platforms in DC-based vaccine.