The expression of surrogate tumor Ags and a convenient method for monitoring the tumor progression and for detection and analysis of TAA-specific T-cell responses, as illustrated in the present study, make the Akt1/N-Ras induced HCC mouse model we developed a suitable preclinical model for examination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and cell-based immunotherapy for HCC treatment. The gene discussed is NRAS; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.