Specifically, the kinase activity of nuclear-targeted FAK in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells drives exhaustion of CD8 + T cells and recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment by regulating chemokine/cytokine and ligand–receptor networks, including via transcription of Ccl5, which is crucial. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is squamous cell carcinoma.