Table 3

T-cell reactivity (IFNγ and IL-2) on PMBCs of 45 subjects against elastin peptides, collagen I peptides and collagen V peptides, stratified according to COPD status

Non-smoking controlsSmoking controlsCOPDp Value
No. of subjects111024
Elastin peptides
 IFNγ expression (ratio)1.4 (0.9–2.4)2.0 (1.4–5.4)2.8 (1.4–4.7)0.150
 IL-2 expression (ratio)0.9 (0.9–1.5)1.4 (1.0–1.8)1.0 (0.7–1.3)0.123
Collagen I peptides
 IFNγ expression (ratio)1.3 (0.9–1.9)1.4 (1.0–2.6)2.1 (0.9–3.3)0.478
 IL-2 expression (ratio)1.2 (0.6–1.4)1.0 (0.8–1.9)1.0 (0.7–1.3)0.637
Collagen V peptides
 IFNγ expression (ratio)1.7 (1.3–5.2)5.5 (3.8–21.6)8.0 (3.4–20.7)0.008*
 IL-2 expression (ratio)0.7 (0.6–1.1)1.2 (0.9–1.7)1.1 (0.8–1.6)0.164
  • Data are presented as median (IQR). Kruskall–Wallis p values are reported.

  • *p<0.05.

  • COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cell.