In this study we examined the oral and lower airways microbiome and the secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and human beta defensins 1 and 2 (hBD-1 & hBD-2) in 12 IPF patients, 12 COPD patients and 12 healthy controls. The gene discussed is DEFB1; the disease is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.