AATD individuals with normal lung function had 3 folds higher neutrophil counts, 2 folds increase in the proteases levels, and 2–4 folds higher levels of IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β, and leukotriene B4 in their epithelial lining fluid compared to controls. Here, CXCL8 is linked to alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.