These intracellular viral sensors were then also analyzed in the peripheral lung specimens from mild/moderate COPD patients and control smokers, confirming that RIG1, MDA5, LGP2, MAVS, and STING, but not DAI viral cytoplasmic sensor, are well expressed in the different bronchiolar and lung compartments studied. Here, IFIH1 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.