Reduced ME1 expression in alveolar macrophages (AM) and peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been linked to defects in the phagocytosis process of bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae (42, 46). This evidence concerns the gene ME1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.