IL-17A and the Promotion of Neutrophilia in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) causes acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). IL-17A is central for neutrophilic inflammation and has been linked to COPD pathogenesis.We investigated whether IL-17A is elevated in NTHi-associated AECOPD and required for NTHi-exacerbated pulmonary neutrophilia induced by cigarette smoke.Experimental studies with cigarette smoke and NTHi infection were pursued in...