To gain insight into the functional consequences of increased ADAM15 expression in macrophages in the lungs of patients with COPD, ADAM15 was over-expressed in differentiated THP-1 cells (a monocyte/macrophage-like cell line), the cells were exposed to CSE and the release of mediators relevant to the pathogenesis of COPD was quantified. Here, ADAM15 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.