In line with this, early IL-8 release was inhibited by TAPI-2 (by 19 ± 8%, 12 ± 5% and 12 ± 13% in non-smokers, healthy smokers and COPD patients, respectively, Figure 4D), although this effect was not significant for COPD (p = 0.14). Here, CXCL8 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.