In peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bronchial tissues, the mRNA levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, apoptosis-associated spec-like protein containing CARD (ASC), IL-18, and IL-1b were elevated in AECOPD comparing with smokers; however, the mRNA levels of these gene were decreased in COPD patients in stable stage (Wang H. et al., 2018), suggesting that NLRP3 inflammasome is associated with AECOPD. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.