Additionally, we investigated the efficacy of a RAGE-specific antagonist chemical to combat the life-threatening effects of COPD, and revealed that blockade of RAGE rescued deleterious effects at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels with downstream DAMPs danger signals in vivo and in vitro, and reversed emphysematous lung symptoms through DAMP-Nrf2 signaling. This evidence concerns the gene AGER and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.