In addition, as shown in Fig. 2d, the proportion of CD11c+ Dendritic Cells (DCs) increased in mice immunized with STAT3-blocked HCC vaccine, accompanied by the upregulation of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 compared with mice immunized with scrambled-ODN-treated HCC vaccine or mice injected with PBS only (Fig. 2e). This evidence concerns the gene STAT3 and hepatocellular carcinoma.