Further, Lebre et al. (2008) found that myeloid dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells from patients with atopic dermatitis showed defective interleukin (IL)-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, and interferon (IFN)-a production; the authors suggest that these immune indicators may contribute to the maintenance of an allergic state in these patients. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is atopic eczema.