CFTR and cystic fibrosis: Importantly, COPD is characterized by decreased CFTR plasma membrane levels in airway epithelial cells38, NF-κB-mediated inflammation in alveolar macrophages and neutrophils is apparently regulated by CFTR39, alveolar fluid clearance is regulated by adenosine-mediated CFTR-dependent chloride efflux40, and defective CFTR induces aggresome formation and CF lung inflammation through ROS-mediated autophagy inhibition41.