Distribution of T-Cell Subsets in BAL Fluid of Patients With Mild to Moderate COPD Depends on Current Smoking Status and Not Airway Obstruction

Current smoking status has a greater impact than airway obstruction on the distribution of T-cell subsets in BAL of patients with mild to moderate COPD. This fact must be considered when the role of T cells in COPD is evaluated. Our results stress the importance of subgrouping patients with COPD in terms of smoking.