Analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed a significant rise of CD8+ T cells and an increased ratio of CD8+ to CD4+ T cells (Fig. 5a, b), with drastic decline of CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) (Fig. 5c) in DEXP&A&N-treated orthotopic HCC mice bearing large established tumors compared to DEXAFP and PBS controls. This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and hepatocellular carcinoma.