TGF-β1 can increase extracellular matrix (ECM) production and myofibroblast differentiation in pulmonary fibroblasts from individuals with COPD [33], while inhibition of TGF-β signaling, both in vitro and in vivo, can protect the lungs from morphological changes, lung function impairment, and injury [34,35]. Here, TGFB1 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.