Expression of cathelicidin (CAMP) and TLRs (TLR5, 7, 8 and 9) was not significantly altered in COPD cores, while secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) expression was increased in mild COPD cores, as well as in moderate COPD cores as compared with controls. Here, TLR5 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.