The present study provides new evidence on the expression and distribution profile of the virus innate immune receptors TLR3, TLR7, and TLR8 in lung tissue of non-smokers, smokers and COPD patients as well as on the anti-inflammatory profile of roflumilast N-oxide and reduced corticosteroid responsiveness following the activation of TLR3 in HBECs from current smokers and COPD patients. The gene discussed is TLR8; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.