We developed and validated HLA-A2 flow cytometry, IFNγ real time RT-PCR, and IFNγ ELISPOT assays to monitor specific CD8+ T cell responses in HLA-A2 melanoma patients immunized with genetic vaccines encoding glycoprotein 100 (gp100) or MART-1, two melanoma-associated antigens. This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and melanoma.