Higher expression of IL-1β, IL-6, MIF and TNF-α and lower expression of IL-4 in patients with MDD compared with controls.IL-β, TNF-α and MIF expression predicted antidepressant response.Significant decrease in IL-6 expression after 8 weeks of antidepressant treatment (escitalopram or nortriptyline) in responders only. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is major depressive disorder.