We furthermore identified a subgroup of patients with COPD with a distinct immune profile, characterized by increased antigen-presenting cells, mast cells, and CD8+ cells, and circulating IL-1β, IFN-β, and GM-CSF, that were associated with increased emphysema severity and decreased gas exchange parameters independent of their GOLD-stage. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.