Hence, targeting the pro-inflammatory nature of these cells by decreasing the expression of Pgp1 and/or CD137 and increasing the expression of GCR, HDAC2, and Hsp90 by CD8+CD28null NKT-like cells may reduce inflammation (Figure 2K) associated with a range of steroid resistant diseases including COPD and comorbid conditions associated with COPD. This evidence concerns the gene HDAC2 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.