However, the absolute numbers of ST2 + IL-5+ HPC, but not their percentage, were significantly higher in the sputum of eosinophilic COPD patients than in those with normal COPD (1.58 ± 1.38 × 102 /gram of sputum vs 0.009 ± 0.009 × 102 /gram of sputum; p < 0.001) (Fig. 6g and h). Here, IL5 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.