Compared with conventional 2D cell monolayer cultures, NB cells grown within the 3D alginate hydrogels present a spheroid morphology, resembling in vivo organization, a decreased sensitivity to the cytotoxic effect of imatinib mesylate and revealed an interestingly and previously unappreciated, constitutive and IFN-γ induced, immune-phenotype. This evidence concerns the gene IFNG and neuroblastoma.