We focused on GM-CSF, IL-8, IL-1β and ICAM-1 as these mediators are relevant to COPD pathogenesis and are found at increased levels in epithelial lining fluid from HIV+ individuals35,63 and HIV+ BC-conditioned media when cells were cultured ex vivo (Fig. 1A). This evidence concerns the gene ICAM1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.