α1-Antitrypsin Polymerizes in Alveolar Macrophages of Smokers With and Without α1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

Polymerization of AAT in alveolar macrophages occurs in the lungs of individuals with AATD but also in smokers with normal AAT levels with or without COPD. Our findings highlight the similarities in the pathophysiology of COPD in individuals with and without AATD, adding a potentially important step to the mechanism of COPD.