A strong response to CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) + IL-15 was positively correlated with the presence of chromosomal anomalies and negatively correlated with the number of CD38+ cells in the B-CLL population, and the in vitro high-proliferator condition was correlated with reduced patient survival. The gene discussed is CD38; the disease is B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.