The HLA-DRB1*0701 allele found here to associate with AD has previously been associated with a range of T-cell mediated inflammatory diseases including podoconiosis (31) (an inflammatory disease of the lower legs that occurs after long-term skin exposure to mineral microparticles), psoriasis (32–34) and vitiligo (35). The gene discussed is HLA-DRB1; the disease is vitiligo.