While it has been suggested that Ba suppresses development of EAE in SJL/J mice and rats18, 20 by inducing IL-4 and inhibiting IFN-γ18, as well as by promoting apoptosis of inflammatory cells in the spinal cord20, the mechanism of Ba action in the differentiation and function of various Th cell subsets in autoimmune disease has not yet been described. The gene discussed is IL4; the disease is autoimmune disease.