• Actively proliferated in the tumor milieu and displayed enhanced production of cytotoxic molecules.• State of non-terminal differentiation effector memory cells.• More oligoclonal in TCR-βrepertoire.• Produce IFN-γ and IL-17 specific to Tc17 cells.• Elevated energetic potential and faster migration capacity• Improved TCR antigen sensitivity. The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is neoplasm.