Soluble gp130 inhibits IL-6 trans-signalling via the sIL-6R and classic signalling via the mIL-6R.31 In animal models, sIL-6R-mediated signalling is an important intermediary in the resolution of neutrophilic inflammation,31 but we were unable to observe any significant difference in the expression of sgp130 in BAL from patients with stable COPD compared with control smokers with normal lung function. Here, IL6 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.