Effects of exercise on mucosal and systemic immunity in COPD

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a leading cause of emergency hospital admissions and represent a significant economic and social burden. Some people with COPD experience frequent exacerbations and represent a distinct clinical phenotype (‘Frequent Exacerbator’). Respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus and influenza are an important cause of COPD exacerbations. Key mechanisms underlying frequent exacerbations of COPD include altered immunity and increased susceptibility to viral infection. Clinical trial evidence has shown that completion of exercise-based treatments such as pulmonary rehabilitation, by people with stable COPD or following an exacerbation, results in fewer exacerbations and less time spent in the hospital. The mechanisms by which exercise might prevent the incidence and severity of exacerbations of COPD remain poorly understood. The aim of this research is to determine mucosal and systemic immune responses (with or without ex vivo virus stimulation) following pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD.