New animal models of COPD

Aims: Cigarette smoke is a major risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The gram negative strain Haemophilus influnenzae (H.i.) plays a major role during exacerbations in patients with COPD. NF-κB plays a central role in inflammatory responses and the innate immune system. Aim: We will establish a mouse model of COPD that combines the exposure of cigarette smoke (CS) and a bacterial challenge with H.i. Additionally we will investigate the role of NF-κB in CS driven inflammation. Methods: Mice were exposed to CS in a smoking machine at an average concentration of 120mg/m3…