Given that inhaled IFN-β therapy has been shown to confer clinical benefit in a subgroup of severe asthmatic patients who develop a cold (8), our data suggest that such innate immune-boosting therapies could be effective when used in a targeted manner in patients with COPD with evidence of frequent exacerbations and a less effective innate immune response. This evidence concerns the gene IFNB1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.