Comparing AM from non-smokers (A and B), smokers and COPD patients we detected a markedly lower expression of TLR2 on AM from smokers and COPD patients (13.98 ± 2.54 and 12.07 ± 3.5 [nonsmoker groups] vs. 6.59 ± 1.42 and 6.08 ± 1.5 rMFI, respectively, p < 0.01) (figure 2a). The gene discussed is TLR2; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.