Lung T-cell responses to nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by pulmonary inflammation that persists after the cessation of smoking. T cells have a major role in driving inflammation in patients with COPD and are activated by specific antigens to produce mediators, such as cytokines. The antigens that activate lung T cells have not been clearly defined.