Increased production of the CXCR2 ligands ENA-78, GRO-α and IL-8 was confirmed by ELISA and functionality of CXCR2 ligands in mediating proangiogenic effects of BSMC from asthma patients was demonstrated by reduction of EC sprout outgrowth in the presence of the specific CXCR2 antagonist SB 265610. The gene discussed is CXCL1; the disease is asthma.