We demonstrate that application of ovalbumin (OVA) together with S. aureus or SEB to tape-stripped mouse skin resulted in exaggerated anaphylaxis following oral OVA challenge, a heightened systemic antigen-specific T helper-2 (Th2) cell response, and elevated serum IL-4 concentrations compared with application of OVA alone. The gene discussed is IL4; the disease is anaphylaxis.