We demonstrate that miR-181b can be increased in CLL cells by crosstalk with CD40L+ T cells, enhancing the maturation of CD8+ T cells in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and, in turn, the anti-tumor cytotoxic T cell response in in vitro and in vivo models. The gene discussed is CD40LG; the disease is B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.