We have shown that some viral-related molecules, such as RIG1, MDA5, LGP2, STING, and DAI, are well expressed in the lung tissue and bronchi of both stable COPD at different stages of disease severity and control subjects, in the presence of low levels of respiratory viruses in both bronchial rings and lung parenchyma. The gene discussed is ZBP1; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.