In order to assess pathway activation in COPD macrophages, alveolar macrophages will be isolated from BAL of COPD patients and healthy controls. Alveolar macrophages will be co-cultured in vitro with apoptotic cells and treated with compounds. In addition, BAL fluid will be frozen for later testing of soluble mediators.
The aim is to understand whether activation of receptors involved in clearance of apoptotic cells will improve efferocytosis in COPD patients in vitro and whether generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines can be decreased in COPD patients.