When the immune-related gene expression profile of the tumors was compared to normal oral mucosa, the pattern of tumor immune gene expression suggests that the canine OSCC microenvironment is highly inflamed and primarily characterized by the presence of an anti-tumor immune response dominated by cytotoxic\effector T cells and NK cells (CD8a, GZMA, OX40, and HLA-A); however, overexpression of genes associated with effector T cell exhaustion and microenvironmental immunosuppression was also identified (PD-1, LAG3, CXCL2). The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is neoplasm.