In the broader context of proteostasis pathways in airway disease, we found significant changes in not only HSP70 but also in HSP90 and the Chaperonin Containing TCP-1 (CCT) complex in lung tissue and bronchial lavage EVs, providing evidence for global dysregulation of cellular proteostasis pathways in COPD. This evidence concerns the gene HSP90AB1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.