CCL18 as an indicator of pulmonary fibrotic activity in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and systemic sclerosis

Abstract

These findings suggest that CCL18 production by BAL cells and serum CCL18 concentrations reflect pulmonary fibrotic activity in patients with IIPs and those with SSc. Monitoring changes in CCL18 production might be an extraordinarily useful tool in clinical practice and in studies aimed at evaluating new approaches for treatment of fibrotic lung diseases.