Differential Activation of Killer Cells in the Circulation and the Lung: A Study of Current Smoking Status and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Abstract

A differential effect in systemic and lung activation of killer cells in COPD is evident. Systemic activation appears to be related to current smoking whereas lung activation is related to the presence or absence of COPD, irrespective of current smoking status. These findings suggest that modulating killer cell activation may be a new target for the treatment of COPD.