In fact, these mycobacterial‐specific cytokines have been proposed for use in immunodiagnostics.35, 36 Interestingly, our data lend support to the theory that TB patients have a Th1/Th2 imbalance that is characterized by high IL‐4 but low IFN‐γ levels, a phenomenon that is a significant factor in the pathogenesis and development of TB.37, 38 It is possible that this Th1/Th2 balance shift plays a role in the high cytotoxic background of CD8+ T cells. This evidence concerns the gene IFNG and tuberculosis.