Under stimulation with K562 cells a significantly reduced IFN-γ production was observed only in Sepsis group patients (6.2 [2.2–9.9] %) compared to healthy controls (10.2 [6.3–13.1] %, p<0.01), especially in those with septic shock (3.0 [1.9–10.7] %). The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is septic shock.