Greater production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and granzyme B by CD8+ T cells triggered by the interaction with fibrocytes is consistent with previous studies showing enhanced production of Tc1 cytokines and cytotoxic molecules by CD8+ T cells purified from patients with COPD (Freeman et al., 2010; Hodge et al., 2007; Lethbridge et al., 2010), suggesting that local interactions with cells such as fibrocytes may play a pivotal role in CD8 polarization in COPD. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.