We have previously reported that rhinovirus-induced secondary bacterial infection may occur through neutrophil elastase-mediated cleavage and reduction of the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) SLPI and elafin, a process that occurs in COPD but not healthy subjects and may be further accentuated by inhaled corticosteroid use (33). The gene discussed is SLPI; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.