On the other hand, applying multivariate predictive modelling techniques, we have previously demonstrated that the extent of the periodontitis-associated imbalance between IL1alpha, ILbeta or IL17A (acting as enhancers) and IFNgamma, IL2, IL3 or IL4 (acting as protectors) was associated with a particular probability of having chronic periodontitis25. Here, IL4 is linked to periodontitis.