Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), a mitochondria-related protein, has been suggested to be involved in the ConA-induced autophagic cell death of hepatoma cells.24 Furthermore, a recent study showed that ConA triggers BNIP3-mediated autophagy via the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in mesenchymal stromal cells and glioblastoma cells.44, 45 In addition, STAT3 is activated through the phosphorylation of tyrosine 705 in response to several cytokines. Here, STAT3 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.