Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is characterized by an abnormal inflammatory reaction of the lungs to inhaled particles, such as cigarette smoke. On the other hand, the transcription factor interferon responsive factors (IRFs) are key elements in the production of type I and III interferons. A group of researchers in Italy looked into the relationship between interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and COPD outcomes.