That said, as distinct diseases, COPD and asthma appear to be fundamentally different from an immunological standpoint: In asthma, allergens trigger an antibody-mediated immune response via the actions of T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines such as interleukins IL-5, IL-13, IL-25 and IL-33, as well as certain Th2-related chemotactic factors. The gene discussed is IL13; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.