Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant and activator [2]; its abundance correlates with neutrophil counts in COPD [6], and is increased in sputum [7], in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid [8] and in the bronchiolar epithelium from COPD patients [9]. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.