In our study, investigating protein expression in non‐COPD controls only, we showed smoking‐associated differences for Furin, HSPA5, ADAM17, BSG, ITGA5, and ITGB6, with lower airway expression profiles (except for Furin) in ever‐smokers compared to never‐smokers. This evidence concerns the gene ITGA5 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.