Regarding the links between inflammation and glucocorticoid response, our observation of increased IL-2 levels in depressed COPD patients may be also relevant considering the existing evidence of IL-2 induced corticosteroids insensitivity in murine T lymphocytes [62] and reduced GR binding affinity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy volunteers [63]. The gene discussed is IL2; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.