To formally test this hypothesis, we analysed responses of the four NK cell subsets (CD56bright; CD56dim CD57−; CD56dim CD57int and CD56dim CD57+, Fig. 4a) to HCC, cross-linking of CD16 and cross-linking of NK receptors, by expression of CD25, IFN-γ or CD107a (Fig. 4b–d). The gene discussed is IL2RA; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.