Figure 1. General model of cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation and damage.

Cigarette smoke acts on alveolar macrophages and epithelium to induce the production of various cytokines and chemokines that serve to perpetuate the inflammatory response through the recruitment of peripheral blood monocytes, neutrophils and CD8⁺ T-cells into the airways. Activated macrophages and neutrophils release proteases, which cause tissue destruction and emphysema. Increased oxidative stress causes lung inflammation and cell and tissue injury. COPD patients are susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, which may amplify lung inflammation and cause a rapid decline in lung function.

Inflammation Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease