In agreement with the in vivo therapeutic data showing that the CD8+ population had a role in the inhibition of the tumour growth only when 5AC and CpG were used in combination, the increased specific CD8+ spleen cell population recognising E7 antigen was documented by the tetrameric assay only in the spleens from 5AC and CpG ODN-treated animals. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is neoplasm.