Systemic Immune Cell Activation in a Subgroup of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract

Cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage and T lymphocytes are activated in BAL cells and PBMNC of patients with IPF/UIP. During treatment, the systemic and local activation of T cells is suppressed. BAL macrophages, however, maintain their activated status, which might be the cause for the frequent chronic progression of the disease.