Embodiments concern methods and composition related to anergic T-cells in patients, such as cancer patients. T cell anergy is a hyporesponsive state induced by TCR engagement in the absence of costimulation (Schwartz, 2003). Anergy induction was initially observed in vitro using chemically-fixed antigen presenting cells (APCs). Subsequently, it was found that anergy could be induced by immobilized anti-CD3 mAb or calcium ionophores (such as ionomycin) in vitro, and by superantigen and soluble antigenic peptide in vivo. Indirect evidence has suggested that T cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment and establishment of transplant tolerance is partially due to T cell anergy (Gajewski et al., 2011).