Immune mechanisms and novel therapies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease characterized by irreversible lung dysfunction caused by fibroblast proliferation and excessive collagen deposition, is the result of persistent chronic inflammation of the lung parenchyma. Although the pathogenesis is not fully understood, the role of immune mechanisms such as innate immune response, adaptive immunity and immune regulation, and cytokines in the pathophysiological mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis have been gradually recognized. There are currently limited drugs available to treat IPF, and long-term use of these drugs may have many adverse effects. With the elucidation of the underlying immunological pathogenesis, the development of more valuable drugs targeting the immune system becomes possible. This review introduces the immunological pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and the emerging drugs targeting the immune system in recent years, aiming to provide insights into the mechanism and treatment direction of pulmonary fibrosis.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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