SERPINA1 and alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency: COPD patients without AAT deficiency (Chest clinic, Guy's Hospital, 14/LO/1699), and PiZZ-AAT deficient patients with or without COPD (Targeting dysfunctional mechanisms in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, The Royal Free Alpha-1 clinic, REC reference: 13/LO/1085) were recruited and provided full written informed consent with full Research Ethics Committee approval.