Using several specific inhibitors to block the IFN-γ plus Con A-induced LDH release and LMP increment, we found that inhibitors of cathepsin B (Z-Phe-Phe-CH2F) and L (CA-074Me), but not an inhibitor of cathepsin D (pepstatin A), can inhibit the IFN-γ-induced LDH release and increase of LMP in Con A-treated hepatoma cells (Figure 3C and 3D). This evidence concerns the gene CTSD and hepatocellular carcinoma.