In order to elucidate further the possible role of specific cytokines in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) the in vitro production of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in patients with severe atopic dermatitis (n = 4) was compared with that in a group of non-atopic healthy controls. The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is atopic eczema.