Elevated baseline levels of IFNγ, IFNβ, IP-10, IL-10 and decreased IL-13 were demonstrated in severe COPD cultures, indicating latent COPD inflammation may contribute to a Th1 cytokine-dominated inflammatory cytokine profile and elevated IFN-associated antiviral responses in airway epithelium. The gene discussed is IFNB1; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.