Schematic representation of mechanism of cancer cell immune killing and induction of T-cell memory. Irradiation of tumor cells induces DNA damage, cellular apoptosis, and release of HMGB1. In combination with the toll-like receptor agonist R848, this results in increased antigen-presenting capacity of dendritic cells (DCs). This in combination with R848 activates effector CD4 T cells and B cells, but in this model leads specifically to effector CD8 T cells that kill the tumor cells. An important component is the induction of antigen-specific T-cell memory protecting mice from subsequent cancer challenge.