IL6 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of innate immune mediators (IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-27, IL-37, TSLP, interferon γ (IFNγ), their receptors, and signalling proteins STAT1 and pSTAT1) and inflammasome components (NLRP3, caspase 1, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-33, NALP7, ST2) in the bronchial mucosa and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of patients with stable COPD of differing severity and age-matched control subjects with normal lung function.