It should also be noted that our study demonstrates that cytoplasmic HuR is elevated in COPD lungs and that cigarette smoke induces its cleavage, a finding that may implicate HuR in the pathogenesis of both COPD and COVID-19 through the regulation of pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic genes that can damage the lungs. This evidence concerns the gene ELAVL1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.