To evaluate the potential of these cells in HNSCC, we expanded this population from PBMC from CMV positive patients by culturing cells in the presence of CMV UL-40 peptide VMAPRTLFL or a control peptide (VMAPRTLLL), and compared the ability of NK cells to secrete IFNγ and CD107a as surrogates of cytotoxicity. This evidence concerns the gene IFNG and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.