Both in a murine model of COPD, and in patients with COPD (compared with smokers without airway obstruction) we will investigate the expression and functional role of Damage Associated Molecular Patterns in the pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In the murine model of COPD, using specific knock-out (KO) mice, we will investigatee the effect of DAMPs on the acute inflammation in the lungs and airways after 4 weeks exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) after 6 months exposure to air or CS, the effects of DAMPs will be investigated on inflammation, emphysema, lymphoid neogenesis and airway wall remodeling.