Our results suggests that the immunomodulatory effects induced by L. plantarum may prove useful in the prevention or treatment of common Th2-skewed allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and allergic asthma, and also as an adjuvant to boost the immune response to common viral infections that require the activation of CD8+ T cells, as for instance influenza. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is allergic asthma.