Specific Aim 1: To conduct a double-blind, Phase IIa trial, in which 18 former smokers with pulmonary emphysema (per chest CT scans), and circulating anti-GRP78 autoantibody levels >mean normal values (by ELISA), will be randomized 2:1 to belimumab vs. placebo. Subjects will receive 8 infusions of either belimumab or placebo over a 6 month interval. Plasma anti-GRP78 will be measured pre-treatment, and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 months. The investigators hypothesize belimumab therapy will more effectively reduce anti-GRP78 IgG autoantibodies, the primary endpoint of this trial, compared to placebo.