Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for generating a human atopic disease-like phenotype, preferably an atopic dermatitis (AD)-like phenotype in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal at least one compound selected in the group comprising the physiologically active vitamin D3 (1?,25(OH)2D3) and agonistic analogs thereof. The present invention also concerns a method for treating and/or preventing an atopic disease in a patient in a patent comprising administrating to said patient an effective amount of at least one vitamin D3 antagonist.