These exosomes bind and degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) via the integrin Mac-1 and NE, respectively, causing the hallmarks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
These results indicate that in patients with COPD: (1) the expression of some neutrophil adhesion molecules (Mac-1) is abnormal, and that this pattern changes during exacerbations; (2) there may be a form of endothelial dysfunction, as suggested by the low sICAM-1 levels; (3) the expression of G protein subunit (Galphas) in circulating neutrophils is downregulated, irrespective of their clinical conditions.