When exposed to dexamethasone (50 nM) prior to LPS stimulation, only partial reduction in TNFα levels was seen in sputum macrophages (24% vs vehicle, n = 5) isolated from chronic bronchitis COPD patients (COPD/CB SM DEX), compared to a significantly larger response in both COPD alveolar macrophages (75% vs vehicle, n = 4), (COPD AM DEX) as well as non-COPD alveolar macrophages (72% vs vehicle, n = 4), (non-COPD AM DEX) isolated from lung resections (Fig. 5A). The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.