The present invention provides methods and compositions that are useful for assessing gene expression for tumor immune response profile of a sample. In particular, a target-specific primer panel is provided that allows for selective amplification of immune response target sequences in a sample. In one aspect, the invention relates to target-specific primers useful for selective amplification of one or more target sequences associated with immune response. In some aspects, amplified target sequences obtained using the disclosed methods, and compositions can be used in various processes including nucleic acid sequencing and used to detect the presence of genetic variants and/or expression levels of one or more targeted sequences associated with immune response.