Exploring the association between eosinophils and autoimmunity in COPD

Exploring the association between eosinophils and autoimmunity in COPD
Study exploring the association between eosinophils and circulating autoantibodies in COPD patients, considering airflow limitation and smoking status.

Eosinophils and autoimmunity in COPD

Introduction: Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with severe airflow limitation and/or emphysema show increased autoantibody levels and an enhanced pulmonary Th17 response. Moreover, an eosinophilic phenotype of patients has been recently described.

However, the potential relationship between autoimmunity and eosinophils has not yet been explored.

Study aim

Aim: To explore the association between levels of circulating autoantibodies and eosinophils considering the severity of airflow obstruction (FEV1) and smoking status (current (CS) vs. former (FS)) in COPD patients.

Main findings

Results: In blood we observed significant associations between eosinophil % and AT presence (OR=1,27,p=0,006). In sputum, eosinophil % was associated with ANCA titers (OR=1,11,p=0,014).

When stratified by smoking status, CS showed an association between blood eosinophil % and both AT and ANCA presence, while FS showed an association between sputum eosinophil % and ANCA presence.

Sensitivity analysis adjusting by FEV1 or CO diffusing capacity (a marker of emphysema) showed similar results.

Conclusion

Conclusion: Eosinophil levels are associated with several autoantibodies and this relationship depends on smoking status, suggesting a more profound immune dysfunction.

Authors

Alejandro Torvisco Tello, Sandra Casas, Àlvar Agustí, Judith Garcia-Aymerich, Rosa Faner

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Fecha de publicación

Published online 18 November 2025

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