Numbers of inflammatory cells, CD4, CD8, CD68, Natural Killer (NK), neutrophils (elastase +), eosinophils (EG2 +), mast cells (tryptase +), CD20 (B cells), plasma cells infiltrating the bronchial epithelium (cells/mm) were similar in the three groups of COPD patients studied. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.