A study comparing wild-type and pIgR–/– mice bred in normal versus germ-free housing conditions illustrated the relationship between pIgR/IgA system and microbiota, as pIgR-deficient mice developed upon aging a COPD-like phenotype in normal housing conditions, including increased numbers of neutrophils and macrophages in their BALF, emphysema, and peribronchiolar inflammation. The gene discussed is PIGR; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.