Previous studies of GR function in COPD alveolar macrophages focusing on cytokine production have produced conflicting results, either showing no difference between COPD and control cells [10], [11], [14], or reduced corticosteroid action in COPD compared to control cells [12], [13].We now apply direct measures of GR activation to further investigate whether GR function is reduced in COPD macrophages; we have measured ligand-dependent GR phosphorylation and transactivation of GR target genes. Here, NR3C1 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.