Because treatment with a neutralizing anti-IL-17 antibody attenuates neutrophilic inflammation in mice during COPD exacerbation caused by an infection with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) [37], the targeting of IL-17 constitutes a promising therapeutic strategy for reducing the severity of COPD exacerbation and preventing COPD progression. The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is infection.