ADAM15 expression is increased in lung CD8 T cells, macrophages, and bronchial epithelial cells in patients with COPD and is inversely related to airflow obstruction.

Background: A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-15 (ADAM15) is expressed by activated leukocytes, and fibroblasts in vitro. Whether ADAM15 expression is increased in the lungs of COPD patients is not known.

Methods: ADAM15 gene expression and/or protein levels were measured in whole lung and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) macrophage samples obtained from COPD patients, smokers, and non-smokers.