This early immune response, which consists of inflammatory cytokines and interferons (IFN), is triggered upon infection by respiratory viruses [1], including rhinovirus (RV) or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) both known to cause exacerbations in chronic lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [2]. Here, IFNA1 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.