Moreover, our study provides new insights into the potential therapeutic use of CXCL16/CXCR6 axis blockade since it dramatically reduces the adherence of platelets and leukocytes from COPD patients to the dysfunctional arterial endothelium, and treatment of cardiovascular comorbidities is a key goal in the management of this patient group. This evidence concerns the gene CXCR6 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.