Genes, gut microbiome, and lungs: untangling the web of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Extract Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a poorly understood chronic lung disease characterised by progressive fibrosis, with poor survival and limited treatment options. IPF is thought to result from an aberrant response to lung injury, culminating in an exaggerated healing response with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the interstitium [1]. Genetic studies have emphasised high heritability and common polygenic aetiology in the development of IPF. There are more than 30 replicated common genetic signals associated with IPF [1] implicating genes involved in host defence, cell proliferation and signalling among others.