Activated neutrophil-derived exosomes play a role in COPD as well, which was revealed by Ganschmer et al. Exosomes derived from activated neutrophils/polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) had a significantly elevated level of surface neutrophil elastase (NE) and exhibited an ability to directly bind and degrade collagen fibrils. The gene discussed is ELANE; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.