TB induced immunosuppression is a well-studied area: an investigation of T cell cytokine responses in HIV-negative pulmonary TB patients showed a persistent depressed tuberculin-induced IFN-γ response up to 18 months despite successful treatment, suggesting a long-lasting depletion or primary dysfunction of antigen-responsive T cells from the peripheral blood due to active TB [43]. The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is pulmonary tuberculosis.