We found that Hsp10 and Hsp60 levels were increased in the bronchial epithelium of severe/very severe COPD compared with control non-smokers; by contrast, in lamina propria the number of Hsp10 positive cells was significantly increased in all stages of stable COPD compared with control smokers with normal lung function and non-smoking subjects, while the number of Hsp60-positive cells was significantly higher only in severe/very severe COPD compared with control smokers with normal lung function. The gene discussed is HSPE1; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.