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Updated: May 22, 2026

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Published on: August 25, 2017
[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an autoimmune disease?]
L Le Guennec1, V Pestre, L Mouthon
1Service de médecine interne, centre de référence pour les vascularités nécrosantes et la sclérodermie systémique, faculté de médecine Paris-Descartes, université Paris-Descartes, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP de Paris, 27 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, Paris cedex 14, France.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves irreversible airflow limitation. This review explores the role of innate immunity and emerging evidence of autoimmune reactions, particularly against elastin, in COPD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Pathogenesis of COPD
Context:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death and disability.
- Tobacco smoking is a primary risk factor, yet not all smokers develop COPD.
- Disease progression continues post-smoking cessation, suggesting complex underlying mechanisms.
Purpose:
- To review the immunological processes involved in COPD.
- To examine current data on the role of autoimmunity in COPD pathogenesis.
- To elucidate factors contributing to emphysema and small airway fibrosis.
Summary:
- COPD is characterized by airflow limitation and alveolar destruction.
- Innate immune factors like neutrophil elastase and metalloproteases contribute to disease.
- Recent research suggests autoimmune responses, targeting elastin, may play a role in advanced COPD.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of immunological mechanisms in COPD.
- Highlights the potential significance of autoimmune reactions in disease progression.
- Informs future research directions for understanding and treating COPD.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
