We show that the frequencies of IFN-γ, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1β (MIP-1β or CCL4) secretion by EBV-specific CD8+ T cells upon antigen stimulation are diminished in SLE patients compared to healthy controls. The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.