GR and HDAC2. In severe asthma and COPD, histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) expression and activity are reduced, resulting in the deacetylation of GR (Lys494 and Lys495) and reduced HDAC2 activity at histones associated with pro-inflammatory genes [180,181,182,183]. The gene discussed is NR3C1; the disease is asthma.