Molecular biomarkers are highly desired in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), where they
hold the potential to elucidate underlying disease mechanisms, accelerated drug
development, and advance clinical management. Currently, there are no molecular
biomarkers in widespread clinical use for IPF, and the search for potential markers remains
in its infancy. Proposed core mechanisms in the pathogenesis of IPF for which candidate
markers have been offered include alveolar epithelial cell dysfunction, immune …

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most lethal form of interstitial pneumonia of unknown
cause, is associated with a specific radiological and histopathological pattern (the so-called
“usual interstitial pneumonia” pattern) and has a median survival estimated to be between 3
and 5 years after diagnosis. However, evidence shows that IPF has different clinical
phenotypes, which are characterized by a variable disease course over time. At present, the
natural history of IPF is unpredictable for individual patients, although some genetic factors …