A significant loss of GCR in CD8+CD28null NKT-like cells was noted in both COPD patients and controls compared with CD8+CD28+ NKT-like cells (mean ± SEM: 9 ± 4% CD8+GCR+CD28null NKT-like cells vs. 39 ± 7% CD8+GCR+CD28+ NKT-like cells in COPD). The gene discussed is CD28; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.