TGFB1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Studies have shown that TGF-β1 expression is increased in the airways of COPD patients [1,2] In contrast, a recent article from Pons et al showed that alveolar macrophages from COPD patients release less TGF-β1 in response to lipopolysaccharide than smokers with normal lung function and non-smokers[3] This may lead to a reduced anti-inflammatory and anti-elastolytic response in COPD patients, subsequently contributing to progressive ECM destruction.