In the present study, intratumoral co-stimulation with CD40L by CD40L-expressing DC (Ad-CD40L-DC) was used for the first time to improve vaccination with murine adenoviral AFP transduced DC (Ad-mAFP-DC) in pre-established subcutaneous (s.c.)and orthotopic HCC in vivo. The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.