T- and B-cells in COPD: a role for adaptive immunity in the pathogenesis of COPD?

Symposium
Chairs: P. Hiemstra (Leiden, The Netherlands), M. Saetta (Padova, Italy)
Aims: The aims of this symposium are:
• to review data on innate immunity and accumulation of T- and B-cells in the lung in COPD;
• to discuss the antigens and other mediators that drive accumulation of these cells in COPD;
• to discuss the role of these cells in the pathogenesis of COPD based on human and animal studies.

Innate immunity in COPD: too much or too little? P. Hiemstra (Leiden, The Netherlands)
The adaptive immune system, autoimmunity and COPD: lessons from animal models G. Brusselle (Ghent, Belgium)
The adaptive immune system, autoimmunity and COPD: lessons from human studies A. Agusti (Palma De Mallorca, Spain)