These data indicate that although expressions of BTLA and HVEM between circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were strongly correlated in the steady state as shown in healthy donors, the changes of BTLA and HVEM expressions between circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells might reflect an imbalanced immune state in HCC patients. The gene discussed is TNFRSF14; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.