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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy

Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy

Published on: April 16, 2019

CD4-regulatory cells in COPD patients.

Lucy J C Smyth¹, Cerys Starkey, Jorgen Vestbo

¹North West Lung Centre, University of Manchester, South Manchester University Hospitals Trust, Manchester, UK. ljcsmyth@yahoo.co.uk

|May 17, 2007

Summary

Chronic cigarette smoke increases airway CD4 regulatory T cells in COPD patients. These cells may help manage lung inflammation, despite potentially reduced function in the airways compared to blood.

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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy

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Published on: April 16, 2019

Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice

Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice

Published on: June 22, 2016

Area of Science:

Immunology
Pulmonology
Cell Biology

Background:

Increased CD8 and B lymphocytes in COPD suggest autoimmunity.
CD4-regulatory T cells' role in COPD autoimmunity is unstudied.

Purpose of the Study:

Compare T-regulatory cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid.
Assess COPD patients, smokers with normal lung function, and healthy nonsmokers (HNS).

Main Methods:

Obtained BAL and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples.
Analyzed 26 COPD patients, 19 smokers, and 8 HNS.
Used flow cytometry for regulatory phenotypic markers.

Main Results:

COPD patients showed higher BAL CD8 counts than smokers and HNS.
Smokers and COPD patients had increased BAL CD4CD25(bright) expression versus HNS.
Increased FoxP3 expression confirmed in BAL CD4CD25(bright) cells; these cells showed reduced CD27 expression, indicating weaker function.

Conclusions:

Chronic cigarette smoke up-regulates airway CD4 regulatory T cell numbers.
Airway regulatory T cells may function to control pulmonary inflammation in COPD.